Our dentists can offer treatments to help patients who struggle with TMJ. However, patients need to be aware of the issue before they decide to seek treatment.
There are numerous symptoms that point to a TMJ diagnosis. These symptoms may ease for a time and then return, or you may experience different TMJ symptoms during different flareups.
Here are several common TMJ symptoms
• Pain in one or both of your jaws that often radiates out from the jaw area and spreads toward other parts of your face
• Swelling on one side of your face
• Clicking or popping sounds when you open and close your mouth
• Difficulty opening your mouth wide
• Jaws that get stuck while partially open
• Facial fatigue
• Grating sounds when you chew or speak
• Headaches that radiate from the jaw area these are generally worse when you wake and then ease as the day passes
• Ringing in the ears
• Neck and shoulder pain
• Difficulty chewing or pain while chewing
• Earaches
• Dizziness
• Difficulty hearing
• Toothaches
• Bruxism- also called teeth grinding
• The feeling that your upper and lower jaws do not fit together properly
Patients often try several remedies at home to try and ease their discomfort. These include:
• Hot or cold compresses
• Bite guards
• Massage therapy
• Biofeedback
• Stress reduction
• Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications
In severe cases, our dentists may prescribe antianxiety medicine or antidepressants to help patients relax. Muscle relaxants are also a common medical treatment, and in some cases, Corticosteroid injections can also alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
If you believe that you could have Temporo Mandibular Joint Disorder or if you would like to know more about TMJ, please feel free to contact our office. Our staff can provide you with helpful information about the disorder. Additionally, our staff can set up an appointment for you to see one of our dentists and find out if you have a TMJ disorder.
