Jaw Pain Is Not Normal
TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint, and TMD stands for Temporomandibular Disorder. If jaw pain is part of your daily routine, it may feel normal to you. However, jaw pain is far from normal and may be a symptom of a condition called TMD, which affects one or both of your TMJs. The Temporomandibular Joints are located in your lower jaw, and when these joints become misaligned or inflamed, they can cause pain and other symptoms.
What Are the Signs of TMJ Disorder (TMD)?
- Headaches
- Earaches or tenderness around the ear
- Face or jaw pain and tenderness
- Muscle pain in the neck, shoulders, and upper back
- Ringing in the ears
- Clicking, popping, or grinding of the jaw
- Difficulty chewing, yawning, or opening your mouth
How Do We Diagnose and Treat TMJ Disorder?
Diagnosis
The treatment for TMD begins with a comprehensive examination. We will check your face, jaw, bite, joints, and teeth. During your visit, we will look for pain or tenderness and listen for any clicking or popping when you open and close your mouth, chew, or swallow. If TMD is diagnosed, we may recommend a bite splint or night guard as the first line of treatment.
Treatment and Relief
Our main treatment involves using bite splints, which are custom designed plastic mouthpieces that fit over your upper and/or lower teeth. These devices help prevent the grinding and clenching that often lead to or worsen TMD. The splint also helps realign the jaw, relieving stress on the surrounding muscles and joints.
Alternative Treatment Options
If a misaligned bite or missing teeth are contributing to your symptoms, we may suggest orthodontics or restorative dental treatments. If your bite is putting unnecessary pressure on the TMJs, reshaping individual teeth to redistribute the bite force more evenly may be an option.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
TMJ refers to the Temporomandibular Joint, the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. When this joint becomes misaligned or inflamed, it is referred to as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder or TMD.
Signs of TMD include pain and tenderness around the ear, jaw joint, or jaw muscles. Other symptoms include difficulty opening or closing your mouth, and a clicking, popping, crunching, or grinding noise when chewing, yawning, or opening your mouth. TMD may also be associated with neck pain and headaches.
TMD can result from several factors, including jaw injuries, joint disease (like arthritis), or bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching). Head and neck muscle tension can also worsen TMD symptoms. Stress may be a contributing factor, though it’s unclear if stress causes TMD or results from it. Other factors, such as poorly fitting dentures or habits like fingernail biting or pen chewing, can also contribute to TMD. Because there are many potential causes, TMD can be challenging to diagnose. The best way to understand your jaw pain is to schedule an appointment.
Headaches can have many different causes. A physical examination is the only way a doctor can determine if TMD is contributing to your headaches.
In most cases, TMJ pain can be treated effectively with non invasive treatments and therapies. Surgery is rarely necessary for TMD. We will always present all of your options, begin with the safest and least invasive treatments, and allow you to make the final decision about your care.
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