Are you experiencing jaw pain? Is it difficult to chew or yawn without feeling discomfort? You may try to brush it off, but you really shouldn’t. You could have something wrong with an important joint in your body, but the good news is that you can fix it and get relief! Answer your questions and learn all the basics about TMJ, TMJ disorder, and TMJ treatment in Joplin.
What is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is located at the base of the skull in front of the ears. With a complex combination of ligaments, muscles, discs, and bones, it connects the lower jaw to the upper and allows your jaw to open and close and move backward, forward, and side to side. These motions help with eating, speaking, singing, yawning, or really any movement of your mouth.
What is TMJ disorder?
When your jaws don’t fit together as they should, the TMJ and the muscles that support it need to work harder and can become damaged or aggravated. As a result, movement of the lower jaw can be limited or painful.
What causes TMJ disorder?
While some causes are not always clear, here are some known causes for TMJ disorder:
- Grinding or clenching your teeth, putting pressure on the joint.
- Stress, causing you to tighten your jaw muscles or clench.
- Damage from an injury like whiplash.
- Arthritis, though rare, in the joint.
What are the symptoms of TMJ disorder?
Typically more women than men get TMJ disorder, and it is more prevalent in people between ages 20 and 40. Common symptoms include the following:
- Pain in or around the ears.
- Frequent headaches.
- Tenderness of the jaw or jaw muscles.
- Jaw pain or soreness.
- Difficulty opening and closing the mouth.
- Clicking or popping noises when opening the mouth.
Many times, TMJ disorder symptoms are temporary, but if they persist, you should contact your dentist. Using diagnostic technology, they can see if something more significant is going on and determine appropriate treatment.
How can TMJ disorder be treated?
At home, TMJ disorder symptoms can be treated with the application of ice followed by heat to relieve the sore ligaments and muscles surrounding the joint. Regardless of the duration, tell your dentist about TMJ disorder symptoms you experience. Through advanced methods and technology, they can diagnose the problem and can create a personalized TMJ treatment plan for you. For example, they can custom-make an appliance for you to wear in your mouth while you sleep. This mouthguard can prevent grinding and realign your jaw, relieving your symptoms. If your dentist recommends more aggressive treatment, such as surgery, seek a second opinion from another trusted dentist. TMJ discomfort and pain can often be managed using more conservative methods.
The TMJ performs so many crucial functions that problems with your TMJ shouldn’t be ignored. You don’t have to live with the unfortunate symptoms of TMJ disorder. You can act, address the problem, and get the relief you need. If you think you may have TMJ disorder, schedule an appointment with your dentist to discuss your symptoms and possible treatments.
About the Author
For Dr. Dan Young, since opening nearly 20 years ago, technology and applying it for comprehensive care for his patients have been the cornerstone of Young Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. He has completed courses in TMJ treatment from the Rondeau Seminars Orthodontic Courses and is equipped to help patients suffering from this condition. You can contact him by calling (417) 781-3440 or clicking here.