Do you suffer jaw tenderness and have difficulty chewing? You may be suffering from a condition in your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) controlling your jaw muscles. This disorder can affect the soreness in these muscles and lead to painful headaches. It is highly recommended that you have a TMJ specialist have a look for a proper diagnosis. In some cases medical treatment is required.
When searching for a "TMJ specialist near me," you want to find an accredited TMJ dentist with experience identifying and treating these issues. Thankfully our staff is professionally trained to help relieve your symptoms.
What Is a Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)?
The temporomandibular joints connect your jaw bone to your skull, acting as a sliding hinge. You have this joint on either side of your jaw, helping you talk, chew, yawn, and open and close your mouth.
Because of its complex system of muscles, discs, and ligaments, moving in different ways can result in misalignment. The condition causes pain and soreness in your jaw. For some people, it can be temporary, but if it is persistent, you should search for TMJ treatment near me.
Why You Should Seek TMJ Treatment?
No one should have to live their daily lives through painful headaches or a sore jaw after eating. If not treated by a TMJ dentist, the pain in your jaw can become chronic and heavily persistent. It can affect your ability to eat and having to stay away from certain foods. Untreated temporomandibular joints pain can leave you with restless nights of interrupted sleep.
What Are the TMJ Symptoms?
Here are some signs you may be suffering from this disorder:
- Pain or tenderness surrounding your jaw
- Sore neck and headaches
- Aching pain in and around your ear
- Aching facial pain
- Difficulty or pain while speaking or chewing
- Jaw clicking sounds, popping, or locking
- Difficulty fully opening or closing your mouth
- Sensitive teeth without any other dental issues
- Jaw pain or soreness prevalent early in the morning and late at night
What Causes This Disorder?
There may be multiple causes for someone to start experiencing a disorder with your temporomandibular joints. It may be due to arthritis in the jaw from either osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or psoriatic arthritis. It could be due to a misaligned bite, grinding teeth, or clenching your jaw at night.
Another reason for jaw discomfort could be simply from an injury affecting your jaw and possible dislocation. Strenuous physical activities or overall stress can also cause pressure on the temporomandibular joints in your jaw.
Diagnosis and Treatment
TMJ dentists specialize in determining if you suffer from jaw soreness related to the temporomandibular joint disorder and the best kind of treatment that works for you.
Diagnosis
A TMJ dentist will diagnose a patient by analyzing their facial structure, mouth, and bite. During your consultations, you should mention all the symptoms you are experiencing for a proper diagnosis. A TMJ dentist may take X-rays of your mouth and a cast of your teeth to analyze your bite and facial alignment properly.
Treatment
Since this issue results from tooth and jaw misalignment, a TMJ dentist will be able to care for your jaw discomfort. If your disorder results from improper tooth alignment, the dentist may refer you to an orthodontist. Braces may be able to adjust your jaw and teeth to proper alignment.
If your disorder is due to clenching or grinding your teeth at night, you may need to wear a bite guard or dental appliance to bed. A bite guard can alleviate TMJ symptoms and protect your teeth from the wear and tear of grinding.
Certain medications, such as anti-inflammatory medications or muscle relaxing medications, can be used as well. Physical therapy techniques are also able to reduce tension in your jaw. Only in extreme cases would jaw surgery be required.
How To Relieve Pain Temporarily
We encourage anyone with TMJ pain or jaw pain to schedule an appointment with their local dentist as soon as possible for a professional diagnosis. Having said that, here are a few things you can do to relieve yourself from pain temporarily:
- Apply ice or cold packs
- Massage the area gently
- Eat soft foods (no chewing gum!)
- Relax and reduce stress
When you seek a "TMJ specialist near me," look no further than our dentistry practice. We are more than welcome to speak with you and schedule an appointment with a TMJ dentist.