Jaw Pain is Not Normal
Living with daily jaw pain might make you feel like it’s just a regular part of life, but in reality, persistent jaw discomfort is a cause for concern. This pain could be a sign of Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD), which affects one or both of your Temporomandibular Joints (TMJs). These joints connect your lower jaw to your skull, enabling movements like chewing and speaking. When the TMJ becomes misaligned or suffers from disease, it can lead to inflammation in the joint and surrounding areas, resulting in pain and a range of other symptoms.
- Headaches: Frequent or chronic headaches can be associated with TMJ issues.
- Earaches and Tenderness Around the Ear: Pain or sensitivity near the ears may indicate a problem with the TMJ.
- Face or Jaw Pain and Tenderness: Persistent discomfort in the face or jaw area is a common symptom.
- Muscle Pain in the Neck, Shoulders, and Upper Back: TMD can cause soreness and tension in these muscle groups.
- Ringing in the Ears: Experiencing a constant ringing or buzzing sound in the ears (tinnitus) can be linked to TMJ disorders.
- Clicking, Popping, or Grinding of the Jaw: Unusual sounds when moving your jaw, such as clicking or grinding, are typical indicators.
- Difficulty Chewing, Yawning, or Opening Your Mouth: Limited movement or pain during these actions can signify TMD.
What Are the Signs of TMJ Disorder (TMD)?
How Do We Diagnose and Treat TMJ Disorder?
Diagnosis
Diagnosing Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) starts with a detailed clinical evaluation. During your visit, our team will assess your facial structure, jaw alignment, bite, joints, and teeth. We will examine areas for pain and tenderness and listen for any clicking or popping sounds when you move your mouth, swallow, or chew. This thorough examination helps us determine if TMD is present. If a diagnosis is made, we typically recommend starting with a bite splint or night guard as the initial form of treatment.
Treatment and Relief
To alleviate the symptoms of TMD, we often use bite splints—custom-made plastic devices that fit over your upper and/or lower teeth. These mouthpieces are designed to prevent the grinding and clenching that can aggravate TMD. Additionally, bite splints help realign the jaw, reducing stress on the surrounding muscles and joints. This non-invasive treatment is effective in managing pain and improving jaw function.
Alternative Treatment Options
In cases where a misaligned bite or missing teeth contribute to TMD, we may suggest orthodontic treatments or restorative dental procedures. Correcting the bite can help distribute the forces on your jaw more evenly, minimizing undue pressure on the Temporomandibular Joints (TMJs). In some instances, reshaping individual teeth may be necessary to achieve a balanced bite. These alternative treatments are tailored to address the specific causes of your TMD, ensuring comprehensive relief and improved oral health.
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 stands for Temporomandibular Joint, which connects your lower jaw to your skull. When this joint becomes misaligned or inflamed, it leads to Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, commonly known as TMD. This condition affects the functionality and comfort of your jaw, often resulting in various symptoms that can impact your daily life.
Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) manifests through several signs and symptoms. You might experience pain and tenderness around the ear, jaw joint, or the muscles of your jaw, face, and temples. Additionally, TMD can cause difficulties when opening or closing your mouth. You may also notice unusual sounds such as clicking, popping, crunching, or grinding when you chew, yawn, or move your jaw. Beyond these, TMD is often associated with neck pain and frequent headaches, further indicating its impact on your overall well-being.
Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) results from a variety of factors that affect the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. Common causes include jaw injuries and joint conditions like arthritis. Additionally, habits such as bruxism—teeth clenching or grinding—and muscle tension in the head and neck can worsen TMD symptoms. Stress is also considered a potential factor, although it’s unclear whether it directly causes TMD or is a consequence of the disorder. Poorly fitting partial or full dentures and habits like nail biting or chewing on pens and pencils can further contribute to the development of TMD. The diverse range of causes makes diagnosing TMD complex. If you’re experiencing jaw pain or related symptoms, scheduling an appointment with our clinic is the best way to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate care.
Headaches can originate from numerous sources, and TMD is one potential contributor. While TMD can lead to headaches due to the strain and tension in the jaw muscles and joints, it’s important to recognize that headaches have many possible causes. To accurately determine whether TMD is responsible for your headaches, a thorough physical examination by a healthcare professional is necessary. If you suspect a link between your jaw discomfort and headaches, consult with your dentist or doctor to receive a proper diagnosis and explore effective treatment options.
In most cases, TMJ pain can be successfully managed with non-invasive treatments and therapies. Surgery is rarely necessary and is only considered in exceptional situations where other treatments have not provided relief. Your health and well-being are our top priorities, so we ensure to discuss all available options with you. We begin with the safest and least invasive methods, working through these first to alleviate your discomfort. Ultimately, you have the final say in deciding the best course of action for your treatment.
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