Tmj Dentist - In Your Local Area
Admiralty Dental Center
Appointments: (360) 385-7003
Edward Savidge D.D.S.
Admiralty Dental Center
600 Cliff Street
Port Townsend, WA 98368
You're unique, and you deserve quality, individualized care. Dr. Edward Savidge believes your dental experience should blend the best of the personal and the professional. At Admiralty Dental Center in the Port Townsend, Washington area, we take the time to get to know you and understand your dental needs. Dr. Savidge and his staff are dedicated to providing you with top-quality dental care designed exclusively for you.
If you suffer from periodontal disease or want to make sure you avoid it, Port Townsend area gum disease dentist Dr. Edward Savidge offers the solution with non-surgical preventive gum therapy. Look and feel your best with healthy gums and an attractive smile.
For our Port Townsend area's valued senior citizens and military personnel, we proudly offer senior citizen and military discounts. We respect and honor your contributions to society, and this is our way of saying "thanks" for all you do.
Have you ever considered natural-looking, permanent dental implants instead of uncomfortable dentures? Incredible recent advances in technology allow Port Townsend area dental implants dentist Dr. Edward Savidge to create tooth implants just for you that can be permanently anchored to your jaw. This is a great option to consider if you've had negative experiences with dentures in the past.
With IV sedation you'll have no memory of your dental procedure at our Port Townsend area sedation dentistry practice. Since you are safely sedated during the treatment, you experience virtually no pain. You'll simply wake up to your successful results.
More TMJ Dentists in the Port Townsend, WA Area Near You
The Tyee Dental and Implant Center
501 Tyee Dr. SW
Tumwater, WA, 98512
Dr. Ronald Tracy D.D.S.
21806 103rd Ave. E. Suite 201
Sumner , WA, 98390
Doctor - Activate Your Free 1stTMJDentist Directory Listing
William D. Oliver Orthodontics
10812 19Th Ave Se
Everett, WA, 98208
Dr. Martin J Matovich Dmd
300 Se 120th Avenue, Suite 400
Vancouver , WA, 98683
TMJ Syndrome
The TMJ is the temporomandibular joint, but you probably know it better as the "jaw joint." With one on each side, the TMJ connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull. Notice how you can move your jaw both up and down and side to side? It's a complicated joint that allows for a wide range of motion.
Temporomandibular joint syndrome describes problems with the jaw. Jaw problems can include clicking, popping, limited motion, jaw pain or facial pain. TMJ disorder is the result of inflammation within the jaw, and it typically results in jaw dysfunction and/or joint pain.
TMJ syndrome treatment usually begins with anti-inflammatory painkillers and gentle jaw exercises to stretch the joint, loosen jaw muscles, and increase range of motion. Some patients find TMJ relief by getting a night guard or bite plate from their TMJ .
+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.
TMJ - All About Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
TM disorder describes a variety of conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint - TMJ (the point where the jaw opens and closes) and nerves related to chronic facial pain. These problems are now more easily diagnosed and treated than in the past. Women are twice as likely to be affected than men.
How Is It Caused?
The exact cause of the disorder is unknown. Some factors are related to an improper bite or malocclusion, injury, arthritis, severe stress, or a combination of factors. Clenching or grinding teeth, a condition called bruxism, may develop from stress or as part of a sleep disorder. This can tire muscles and create painful spasms, causing even more pain. Repeated muscle problems may affect the joints, resulting in tissue damage, muscle tenderness, and more spasms, perpetuating a cycle of pain.
What Are Some of the Symptoms?
- Jaw pain or soreness, more noticeable in the morning or afternoon
- Jaw pain while chewing, biting, or yawning
- Earache without an infection, sometimes spreading into the face
- A clicking or grinding noise while opening and closing your mouth
- Difficulty opening and closing your mouth
- A stiff jaw when eating, talking, or yawning
- Sensitive teeth without any signs of dental problems
- Aching on the side of the head and neck pain
- "Locking" of jaw in an open or closed position
How Can This Condition Be Treated?
Proper diagnosis is critical to make sure you receive treatment for your particular condition. Your dentist will recommend treatment after conducting a thorough health history, clinical exam, taking appropriate X-rays, and perhaps confirming the condition through other diagnostic tests.
Your dentist may prescribe a multiple-phase treatment plan. Only minor corrective treatment may be needed. Treatment may be simple or require more steps for alleviating the condition, depending on the degree of severity. Some of these treatments include:
- Taking a non-aspirin pain reliever or prescription medications such as muscle relaxants, analgesics, or anti-inflammatory drugs
- Eating soft foods
- Avoiding chewing gum
- Applying moist heat or ice
- Physical therapy
- Teaching relaxation techniques to control muscle tension
- Stress management training techniques
- Posture training
- Wearing bite plates to eliminate the harmful effects of clenching or grinding the teeth, and a better positioning of the jaws
- Adjusting the bite, known as "occlusal equilibration" involving removing interferences when the teeth touch
- Replacement of defective restorations that prevent the jaws from meeting properly
- Orthodontics, to put the teeth in proper position
- Surgery
In most cases, the symptoms related to TM disorders can be successfully treated to reduce or eliminate your discomfort. Postponement of treatment usually results in more damage to the joint, muscles, or teeth. Be sure to discuss any questions you may have about TM symptoms and treatment plans with your dentist.
By Brian J. Gray, DDS, MAGD, FICO
+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.
