Jaw Pain is Not Normal
If jaw pain is something you experience daily, it may seem like a normal part of life. However, jaw pain is far from normal and could be a sign of a condition known as TMD, affecting one or both of your TMJs. These are the joints in your lower jaw, called the Temporomandibular Joints. When misalignment or disease occurs, the TMJ and surrounding areas become inflamed, leading to pain and other symptoms.
What Are the Signs of TMJ Disorder (TMD)?
- Headaches
- Earaches and tenderness around the ear
- Discomfort and tenderness in the face or jaw
- Muscle soreness in the neck, shoulders, and upper back
- Ringing or buzzing in the ears
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when moving the jaw
- Difficulty chewing, yawning, or fully opening the mouth
How Do We Diagnose and Treat TMJ Disorder?
Diagnosis
Diagnosing TMD begins with a detailed clinical examination of your face, jaw, bite, joints, and teeth. During your consultation, we will assess for pain or tenderness and listen for clicking or popping sounds when you open and close your mouth, chew, or swallow. If TMD is confirmed, a bite splint or night guard is often recommended as an initial treatment.
Treatment and Relief
Our treatment involves the use of custom-made bite splints, which are plastic mouthpieces specifically designed to fit over your upper and/or lower teeth. These devices work to prevent teeth grinding and clenching, which can contribute to or worsen TMD. Additionally, the splint helps realign the jaw, reducing stress on the surrounding joints and tissues.
Alternative Treatment Options
If your symptoms are caused by a misaligned bite or missing teeth, we may recommend orthodontic solutions or restorative dental procedures. In cases where your bite is placing undue pressure on the TMJs, reshaping specific teeth to evenly distribute bite force may be suggested.
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. When this joint becomes misaligned or inflamed, it is known as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, or TMD for short.
Symptoms of TMD may include pain and tenderness around the ear, jaw joint, or muscles of the jaw, face, or temples. Other signs can include difficulty opening or closing your mouth, along with clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when you chew, yawn, or open your mouth. TMD can also be linked to neck pain and headaches.
TMD can be caused by several factors, including jaw injuries and joint conditions like arthritis. It is believed that bruxism (tooth clenching or grinding) and muscle tension in the head or neck may worsen TMD symptoms. Stress is also thought to be a contributing factor, though it is unclear whether stress causes TMD or is a result of it. Other possible causes include poorly fitting dentures, either partial or full, and habits such as nail biting or chewing on pens or pencils. Because of the variety of potential causes, diagnosing TMD can be difficult. The best way to understand your jaw pain is to schedule an appointment.
Headaches can have a number of different causes. A doctor will need to perform a physical examination to determine if TMD is the cause of your headaches.
In most cases, TMJ pain can be successfully managed with non-invasive treatments. Surgery is only rarely needed for TMD. Your health and comfort are our priority, so we will always present all available treatment options, beginning with the safest and least invasive methods, and leave the final decision in your hands.
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