Dr. David Cooley, Rapid City, SD Dentist, Evaluates and Treats Patients with TMD

Aug. 2, 2012 - PRLog -- Cooley Prosthetics
Dr. David Cooley
605-716-9061
www.cooleyprostheticdentistry.com

Dr. David Cooley, Rapid City, SD Dentist, Evaluates and Treats Patients with Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)

The Temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is a hinge joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull.  This joint allows you to move your jaw up and down—making it possible to eat, yawn and talk.   When patients experience severe pain during these everyday actions, they might be suffering from Temporomandibular Disorder, or TMD.  Dr. David Cooley of Cooley Prosthetics evaluates patients that may be suffering from TMD in the Rapid City region.  Patients may exhibit symptoms such as pain when opening and closing their mouth, trouble chewing, headaches, ear pain, jaw becoming stuck or making clicking or popping noises, and teeth grinding.

Although TMJ Disorder either arises from the muscles or the joint itself, the exact cause is not clear.  Patients that feel like they may be suffering from TMJ related pain should visit a dentist that specializes in TMJ treatments to determine the cause.  Arthritis, grinding, clenching, injury, and dislocation of the soft cushion are all listed as potential causes of TMD.  Increased stress can also make patients prone to these grinding and clenching behaviors that tighten the jaw and teeth, putting extra pressure on the TMJ.  Dr. David Cooley offers relief to patients that suffer from TMJ related pain.  Pain relievers and hot/cold compresses provide patients with short term relief, but preventing teeth grinding can provide a more permanent solution.  Dr. David Cooley offers night guards to patients in order to prevent or lessen nighttime teeth grinding.  Behavioral treatments can also change the way patients normally use their jaw muscles to provide pain relief.  Only in severe cases is TMJ surgery required.

If you live in the Rapid City, SD region and you think you are suffering from TMJ Disorder, contact Dr. David Cooley for more information on how you can relive your jaw pain.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. David Cooley, visit http://www.cooleyprostheticdentistry.com or call 605- 716-9061 for more information.