Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) affects the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, causing symptoms that range from jaw pain and clicking to chronic headaches, earaches, and difficulty opening the mouth fully. Dr. Mitzi Morris diagnoses and manages TMD in-practice, assessing your bite, jaw movement, and muscle tension to identify the root cause of your symptoms. Treatment is tailored to the severity of your condition and may include occlusal splints, bite adjustment, or targeted muscle relaxation strategies — all aimed at reducing pain and restoring normal jaw function.
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Common signs of TMD include pain or tenderness in the jaw joint or surrounding muscles, a clicking or popping sound when opening or closing your mouth, difficulty chewing, frequent headaches originating at the temples, and a feeling that your bite has shifted. Dr. Morris will conduct a thorough clinical assessment of your jaw joint, bite, and muscle function to confirm the diagnosis.
An occlusal splint (also called a night guard or bite guard) is a custom-fitted appliance that holds your jaw in a relaxed, neutral position, preventing the teeth from grinding together and reducing the compressive load on the joint. Most patients wear their splint only during sleep — this is typically when bruxism and clenching are most intense — and notice a significant reduction in morning jaw pain and headaches within a few weeks.
Many patients experience complete or near-complete resolution of TMD symptoms with conservative treatment, particularly when the condition is identified early. For others, ongoing management with a splint and periodic check-ups keeps symptoms well controlled. Dr. Morris will give you a realistic picture of your prognosis based on the specific findings of your assessment.