LOCATIONS

501 S. Cherry St.
Suite 230
Glendale, CO 80246
Ph: 303-355-6340

6979 S. Holly Circle
Suite 185
Centennial, CO 80112
Ph: 303-355-6340

HOURS

Monday  7:00 am–5:00 pm
Tuesday 7:00 am-5:00 pm
Wednesday. 7:00 am-5:00 pm
Thursday 7:00 am-5:00 pm
Friday 7:00 am-5:00 pm

TMJ / TMD / Bruxism ~
Richard A. Murdoch, DDS

Bruxism (teeth grinding)

Many people knowingly or unknowingly grind and/or clench their teeth at night. This habit can be extremely destructive, leading to eroded enamel, increased tooth sensitivity, broken fillings, cracked teeth, bone loss around teeth, and sore muscles and joints.

Signs and symptoms of teeth grinding may include:

  • Noise that may wake your parter/spouse
  • Teeth that are chipped, worn down, or flattened
  • Worn tooth enamel, exposing the inside of your tooth
  • Increased tooth sensitivity
  • Headaches
  • Facial pain
  • Earaches
  • Bone Loss

Fortunately, we can treat some of the bruxism symptoms by starting with bite splint therapy.  Different types of splints can be used depending on your specific problems.  Splints work by providing harmony between the teeth and joints.

TMJ and TMD

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) and Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) are terms that are often used interchangeably, and both refer to disorder of the temporomandibular joint (the "hinges" of your jawbone, which is near your ears).  There are five pairs of muscles that open and close the jaw and move it forward and backward and side-to-side.

TMJ/TMD are typically caused by malocclusion (problems with the way the teeth fit together), an injury or blow to the head, or teeth grinding.  Treatment can include adjusting your bite and/or fitting you with a special splint.

Signs and symptoms of TMJ/TMD include:

  • sore or tender jaw muscles
  • sore teeth
  • mild to severe headaces
  • clicking or popping noises when opening the mouth
  • dizziness
  • hearing loss or ringing in the ears
  • pain around the jaw, ear, face, neck or shoulders

Dr. Murdoch has advanced training in bruxism, TMJ, and TMD and has been very successful in treating these conditions.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call our office at (303)-355-6340.