Everything You Need to Know About TMJ

Let’s be honest, jaw pain is miserable. It affects everything from talking to eating and makes everyday life uncomfortable and frustrating.

The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is the part of your jaw that serves as a hinge that helps you open and close your mouth. Most of the time, you shouldn’t be aware of its functioning when everything is working normally.

Unfortunately, certain conditions can lead to pain, clicking and other issues occurring with the joint and surrounding tissues. Taking a closer look at when and how TMJ treatment in Morrisville works helps you be proactive if you develop this condition.

What Exactly Is TMJ Disorder?

This disorder involves pain and other issues with your jaw joint that may extend to the supporting muscles and tissues in your mouth. Mild TMJ symptoms may include feeling soreness in your jaw or hearing occasional clicking. Yet, the symptoms can also increase to include making it hard to chew and speak normally.

In severe cases, TMJ pain can create challenges with you being able to enjoy your normal activities.

Since TMJ can include several different causes, it’s important to work with your dentist to seek an accurate diagnosis for the disorder. Once you know what causes your TMJ symptoms, you can then get a treatment plan that provides optimal pain relief.

Where Can TMJ Pain Appear?

The most common place for TMJ pain to show up is around the joint. This pain may involve dull, throbbing pain that worsens with chewing or speaking. You might also notice tenderness in your cheeks, jawline and neck.

Because of the joint’s proximity to your ear, you could experience frequent earaches. Headaches are also common among people with TMJ. In some cases, the pain could also cause your jaw to lock up. Or, you might avoid eating certain foods to avoid having the pain get worse.

How Do Dentists Diagnose TMJ?

Jaw pain can also arise from other causes, such as a wisdom tooth coming in or a cavity. For this reason, it’s important to ask your dentist about any new or unusual symptoms that occur.

If your dentist suspects that you have TMJ, then they may perform a physical exam that includes palpating the joint to check for abnormalities in its alignment.

Imaging tests can also reveal the placement of the joint to provide a more accurate diagnosis. During your exam, your dentist may also assess your jaw’s range of motion and check your overall bite.

What Types of TMJ Treatment Are Available?

Many people find TMJ pain relief with mild to moderate forms of treatment. Addressing the underlying causes of the jaw’s dysfunction can often provide prompt pain relief.

For instance, you might need to wear a mouthguard at night to address bruxism. Or, you may need to work on reducing stress. Physical therapy, injections and surgery are a few more forms of treatment that a dentist might recommend depending upon the severity of your TMJ case.

Contact Pearly Whites Dental Care in Morrisville, PA!

If you frequently deal with jaw pain, soreness or stiffness, then it’s worth mentioning it to your dentist. TMJ treatment in Morrisville is effective for providing you with greater comfort.