TMJ

Many people experience discomfort from a disorder known as TMJ, (temporomandibular joint). If you are looking for TMJ treatment in Vancouver, WA or the greater Portland area – you’ve come to the right place. Dr. Croft has helped many patients get their life back after suffering from TMJ pain. Here’s what you need to know.

What is TMJ?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint responsible for allowing your jaw to move smoothly and connects your lower jaw to the temporal bone of your skull. Sometimes, this joint (due to overuse) becomes irritated or stressed and can cause many symptoms, including headaches and severe disruption in day-to-day life.

Causes

TMJ can be caused by many things – but most commonly people who suffer from TMJ experienced trauma to the jaw, have improper bites from not having orthodontic intervention in the past, or have developed arthritis.

TMJ Symptoms

You may need TMJ treatment if you are experiencing any of these signs or symptoms:

• Pain and tenderness in the jaw or facial muscles
• A stuck or locked jaw
• Inability to open your jaw wide
• Clicking, popping, or grinding noises when you chew or open your mouth
• Headaches
• Earaches

At Columbia Orthodontics, we are pleased to offer many TMJ treatment methods for patients in Vancouver, WA, or the Portland, OR area. If you are experiencing pain associated with TMJ, the first step is scheduling an appointment with Dr. Croft. We will work together with you to determine the exact cause of the problem and which treatment is ideal for your needs. We can create custom-made dental appliances to treat your condition. We are dedicated to helping your smile and face feel more comfortable and healthy.