What Is TMJ Disorder and Its Common Symptoms?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a hinge that connects the lower jawbone to the skull’s temporal bone. It is located on both sides of the face and is essential to mouth movement. The joints and their muscles, nerves, and ligaments can be misaligned, resulting in TMJ disorders. Read on to learn about the symptoms of TMJ disorders and TMJ treatment in Magnolia, TX.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
The symptoms of TMJ disorders vary based on the severity of the condition. Your level of stress and biological damage also determines them. Below are common TMJ symptoms your dentist in Magnolia, TX, will check for.
- Facial pain
- Shoulder or neck pain
- Jaw pain
- Difficulty opening or closing your mouth
- Jaw popping or clicking
- Jaw stiffness
- Earaches and ringing in your ears
- Uneven tooth wear, cracks, crazing, and breakage
- Headaches or migraines
- Pain when chewing or opening the mouth
- Pain in cheeks and temples
- Malocclusion
The dentist will do a physical assessment and discuss your symptoms. If they suspect a problem, they will make further diagnoses. They may involve dental X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs of the bones and soft tissue around the joint. TMJ arthroscopy can also be used.
Understanding the Causes and Risks Associated With TMJ Disorders
The temporomandibular joint connects your jaws to the skull, helping you to open and close your mouth. To do this, it combines a hinge action with sliding motions. TMJ disorders occur if the cartilage covering the joint, the shock-absorbing disk, or the joint itself gets damaged or diseased.
Anyone can have the complications of a TMJ disorder. However, various factors increase your risk of getting the disorder. They include the following:
- Patients with Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are most likely to develop TMJ disorders.
- You could have TMJ dysfunction after an injury to your face or mouth damaged or strained joint.
- People with chronic grinding or clenching of teeth can trigger TMJ disorders. Long-term bruxism strains the joints in the jaw.
- TMJ disorders occur in the jaw joint. So, people with connective tissue diseases are likely to suffer from TMJ disorders.
- People with a family history of TMJ, high-stress levels, and inflammation are prone to the disorder.
- People with malocclusion are likely to have TMD. It is where your teeth do not fit together exactly as they should.
Finding the Right Dentist for TMJ Diagnosis and Treatment
It is crucial to find the right dentist to diagnose and treat your TMJ disorder. A TMJ specialist near you will analyze the issue to determine the right course of treatment. The results of the diagnosis will determine if the disorder can be cured or only managed.
Therefore, you need to find a dentist who will appropriately diagnose your issue and recommend the ideal treatment. Below are tips to help you find the right TMJ dentist.
- Research TMJ specialists situated around your area or those recommended by previous patients. You can check Google Patient Reviews to see which dentists have positive reviews. Also, you may visit their offices and talk to their staff. Ensure they can provide a comfortable and successful treatment experience.
- Evaluate the experience and training of the TMJ specialists you are considering visiting. Check their formal education in treating TMJ disorder, diagnostic techniques, and experience.
- Find a dentist who will determine your needs and tailor the treatment accordingly. They should thoroughly examine your joints to determine the complexity of your problem. Avoid dentists who rush to create a treatment plan without a thorough diagnosis.
- Find out your TMJ treatment options and if the dentist can provide them efficiently. If your treatment takes multiple phases, find out how the dentist plans to schedule and do them.
- TMJ treatment can be costly to treat, especially if they are severe. Check a TMJ dentist’s payment plan options and whether they work with your dental insurance.
Conclusion
Do you have persistent pain or tenderness in the jaw? Are you unable to open or close your jaw completely? Then you should see a dentist or a TMJ specialist. If you do not have one or are looking for a new one, contact us at Tamborello Dentistry. Our TMJ treatment options include medications, nightguards, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and surgery.