TMJ, the abbreviated term for Temporomandibular Joint disorder, is a condition that affects over 10 million people in the US. This disorder affects multiple joints & bones in your face, and without treatment, can be extremely painful and damaging. So how do you know if you are one of the many affected by TMJ, and what are the treatments?
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder can present itself in a multitude of different symptoms, however, is primarily caused by the misalignment of either the jaw, neck, or other facial structures. Stress, grinding your teeth, and genetics can also be catalysts for TMJ pain.
Some of the symptoms are much less typical than one would expect. Common red flags for TMJ disorder are expected – pain or tenderness in the jaw, painful chewing, audible popping noises when your mouth is opening. However, earaches, swelling of the neck or face, and random spasms of the neck could also be possible signs that point to a TMJ issue.
So how can my dentist help me treat TMJ disorders? In many cases, this condition can be remedied with either medication or exercises that will realign the jaw and correct a person’s bite. If grinding your teeth is the issue, mouthguards can solve not only your TMJ related issues, but save your teeth from wear as well. For more extensive cases, surgery and even botox injections can be used to treat TMJ.
Are you experiencing any TMJ symptoms that you would like to talk to trained professionals about? Give Dental Center of Mesa a call at 480.834.9001 today to schedule a consultation!