San Francisco TMD Treatment

Dentists in San Francisco and other major cities have an array of options when it comes to treating joint problems and TMD. The vast resources of most metropolitan areas make it easy to cater treatment to the unique needs of each patient, and to customize an effective intervention. This means blending techniques and offering a range of coping and treatment strategies.

Finding Effective Treatment for TMD

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) can be exceedingly painful. The temporomandibular joint connects the jaw to the skull and it is involved in a host of different activities from talking to swallowing. When it is inflamed or distressed, it is hard to escape the pain, as it crops up throughout the day. Most people head quickly to the doctor or dentist once they realize that pain is not likely to subside on its own.

The symptoms of TMD are surprisingly diverse. To some extent, this broad constellation of patient issues reflects our poor understanding of TMDs and of the jaw joint itself. Patients report all manner of symptoms, from general face pain to earaches and headaches. In addition, lock jaw, facial swelling, and stiffness in the neck and shoulders are all common symptoms.

Given that the symptoms of TMD are diverse, treatment options are equally varied. There are medications, such as Neurontin and Serenitol, and there are non-invasive, temporary aids such as splints and dental devices. When these strategies fail, there are several different surgical interventions that may provide longer-lasting but irreversible changes.