"I have been a patient of Dr. Shraders for about 30 years and have always had excellent service. Dr. Kim is carrying on that tradition. I have always been a little nervous about dentist appointments and my fears have always been eased by the manner and professionalism of your team. I will alway recommend others to your practice."

Patty Shaughnessey

TMJ and TMD

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD, TMJ or TMD), or TMJ syndrome, is an term covering acute or chronic inflammation of the temporomandibular joint, which connects the mandible to the skull. The disorder can result in significant pain and impairment. Because this condition transcends the boundaries between several health-care disciplines — in particular, dentistry, neurology, physical therapy, and psychology — there are a variety of treatment approaches. We’ll focus on the dental aspects of TMD.

Some possible symptoms of TMD are clicking or popping of the joints when opening and closing the mouth. Pain or discomfort of the muscles around the joint, the chewing muscles, or the joint area itself. Sometimes TMD can manifest itself with an “earache”.

There are many potential causes for TMD including problems with a client’s bite (occlusion), unconscious clenching or grinding (bruxism), degenerative joint conditions, trauma, and excessive chewing habits such as gum chewing and nail biting.

There are several tests we employ to see if a client’s TMD is tooth related or if the bite is a contributing factor to the discomfort. First we’ll order a CT scan of the clients TMJ. We’ll also take some detailed models and records of the client’s bite and then study the information on a special articulator. If it appears that the TMD may be bite related, then we can begin splint therapy with a MAGOwhich is a special appliance worn on the teeth for a limited period of time. If the symptoms improve, we know we’re on to something and then can proceed with further treatment.

Some possible treatments to help TMD related to malocclusions can be temporary to permanent. Medications can be prescribed to ease symptoms. MAGOs can be worn and converted to nightguards. Orthodontics may come into play to correct bite problems. And reconstruction of the teeth involved may also be a solution. In some rare cases surgical jaw movement may be necessary and actual TMJ surgery should only used as a last resort.

If you suffer from TMJ discomfort then please contact us to schedule an examination with Riverside TMJ dentist Dr. Kim.