TMJ/TMD
TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint. That is the joint that connects the jawbone to the skull on each side. Temporomandibular Disorder, or TMD, refers to issues affecting the TMJ and the muscles and soft tissues that surround it. Common TMD symptoms include:
- Jaw pain
- Clicking jaw joint
- Jaw stiffness
- Stuck jaw, open or closed
- Clenching or grinding teeth
- Pain in cheeks and temples
Causes of TMD
There are a number of issues that can cause TMD. The most common is subconscious clenching or grinding of the teeth. This usually occurs during sleep or when under high amounts of stress. Patients with this type of TMD may find that their symptoms vary depending on their level of stress.
Other causes of TMD can include:
- Jaw joint disc out of place
- Osteoarthritis damage to joint
- Swelling inside the joint
- Poor posture muscle strain
- Joint inflammation or strain
Diagnosing TMD
During your visit, our team will take a detailed dental and medical history. Tell us about any symptoms or injuries to the TMJ area. Be sure to notify us of any chronic illnesses or medications you are taking.
Next, our doctors will perform a comprehensive exam of your head and neck. We will pay particular attention to the jaw muscles and joints. We may recommend a screening X-ray to rule out other issues. At this point, we can recommend an initial treatment plan in most cases.
Treatment
We will recommend a conservative treatment plan based on your individual needs. We can help relieve TMD pain, reduce stiffness, and increase function.
Visit Our Storm Lake Dental Office
Storm Lake Location
217 West 6th Street,
Storm Lake, IA 50588
(712) 732-2319

Our Dental News
Dentist Storm Lake | We’d Love to See You More
Have you ever wondered how often you should be visiting our Storm Lake dentist? Being proactive rather than reactive with oral health could help prevent long term tooth loss and other dental problems. According to a study published in the […]
Learn MoreDentist in Storm Lake | 9 Things You (Probably) Didn’t Know About the Tongue
We use our tongues every day to talk, taste, and swallow, yet we rarely take time to think about this flexible organ. Here are 9 things you may not know about the tongue: The longest recorded tongue was more than […]
Learn MoreStorm Lake Dentist | Seniors and Oral Health
Your teeth age with you. It’s important to keep them strong and healthy even as you grow older. Seniors are at a higher risk for developing periodontal disease. In addition to getting a regular dental examination, here are some other […]
Learn More