GPC Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center

TMJ stands for TMJ (temporomandibular joint) which is the name of each joint on the right and the left located in front of each ear structure that connects the lower jaw to your upper jaw and skull.

The TMJ is composed of a rounded protrusion of the mandible that sits against an indentation in the skill and an articular disc, which is a disc-like structure that is composed of cartilage found between the two bones. These parts are joined together by ligaments from various parts of the head and neck which support and guide the movement of the jaw.

TMJ disorders include a variety of problems that are related to your jaw joint and are a result of problems with the jaw muscles and the muscles in the face. These disorders can be treated in a variety of ways. One safe, comfortable, and non-surgical method is laser TMJ treatment, available in the Pittsburgh area at GPC Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center.

How does the TMJ Work?

The TMJ opens your mouth two ways. One way is like a hinge to open and close the mouth and allows the jaw a full range of motion for activities like yawning, signing, or eating.

Because this joint is made up of a complex series of joint pads, tendons, and muscles and can perform a variety of complex functions, it is susceptible to a variety of complications. This joint is one of the most frequently used joints in the human body, so when it becomes inflamed, it can have a painful and inconvenient impact on many of your daily activities.

Signs You May Have a TMJ Disorder You can develop a TMJ disorder for several reasons, including:

• Grinding your teeth
• Clenching your jaw
• Damage due to injury or disease

Grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw can put stress on your TMJ joint and jaw muscles whereas injury or disease such as arthritis can directly damage the joint or stretch/tear the muscle ligaments.

This damage can result in the articular disc, which cushions the jaw joint, to slip out of place. If you have trouble opening your mouth wide or if you experience pain, clicking, grating or locking when you open your mouth, it is possible that you are suffering from a TMJ disorder. Other signs you may have a TMJ disorder include:

Sore, stiff muscles around your jaws Frequent headaches or neck aches Stress worsens your clenching and pain Difficulty opening your mouth to yawn or eat Problem using front teeth to tear or bite food Tooth sensitivity Loose, broken or worn teeth

If you are experiencing any combination of these symptoms, it is essential to schedule an appointment with Dr. Goth for an evaluation to determine if you are suffering from a TMJ disorder. Early detection is vital because TMJ problems can lead to more severe issues if left untreated.

Risk-Free Laser Therapy Treatment

GPC Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center offers laser therapy, in conjunction with other treatments, to treat TMJ disorders as well as other issues such as neck pain, jaw pain, and headaches. Using state-of-the-art equipment, Dr. Goth uses a laser to distribute light photons that penetrate deep into the tissues around the temporomandibular joint and the joint itself. This treatment helps to reduce inflammation deep in the tissues for immediate relief from pain while also increasing circulation to help promote a faster healing process.

Therapeutic lasers do not injure the tissues making laser therapy for TMJ a safe and comfortable solution to TMJ discomfort. Dr. Goth is a certified maxillofacial surgeon who is specially trained to treat all areas of the jaws and the face, serving as your top choice for targeted TMJ laser treatment in Pittsburgh. Contact GPC Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center today to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our laser therapy treatments for pain management.