Jaw Pain Is Not Normal
If jaw pain is something you deal with daily, you might have accepted it as normal. However, persistent jaw pain is far from normal and could be a sign of a condition known as TMD (Temporomandibular Disorder), often linked to issues with one or both of your TMJs (Temporomandibular Joints). These joints are responsible for connecting your lower jaw to the skull. When misalignment or inflammation occurs, it causes pain and other symptoms. If you’re struggling with jaw pain, a Crystal River Dentist can help diagnose and treat the issue effectively.
- Frequent headaches
- Earaches or tenderness around the ear
- Jaw or facial pain and tenderness
- Muscle pain in the neck, shoulders, and upper back
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds from the jaw
- Difficulty chewing, yawning, or opening the mouth
What Are the Signs of TMJ Disorder (TMD)?
Symptoms of TMD can vary but may include:
How Do We Diagnose and Treat TMJ Disorder?
Diagnosis
We begin by conducting a thorough clinical examination of your face, jaw, bite, joints, and teeth. We’ll check for pain, tenderness, and listen for any clicking or popping sounds when you open and close your mouth. If we diagnose TMD, the treatment usually starts with a bite splint or night guard.
Treatment and Relief
One of the most effective treatments for TMD is the use of a custom-made bite splint. These plastic mouthpieces are designed to fit comfortably over your upper or lower teeth, preventing the grinding or clenching that often worsens TMD. The splint also helps realign the jaw and reduce stress on the surrounding muscles.
Alternative Treatment Options
In some cases, TMD may be caused by misalignment of the bite or missing teeth. In such instances, we might recommend orthodontic treatment or restorative dental work. If your bite is placing excess pressure on the TMJ, reshaping individual teeth to distribute the bite force evenly might be an option.
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 refers to the Temporomandibular Joint, which connects the lower jaw to the skull. When this joint becomes misaligned or inflamed, it’s referred to as Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD).
Signs of TMD include pain around the ear, jaw joint, or jaw muscles. Other symptoms may include difficulty opening or closing the mouth and hearing clicking, popping, or grinding noises while chewing, yawning, or opening the mouth. TMD is also often associated with neck pain and headaches.
The causes of TMD are varied, including jaw injuries, joint diseases like arthritis, or conditions like bruxism (teeth grinding). Stress, muscle tension in the head or neck, and poorly fitting dentures are also possible contributors. With so many potential causes, TMD can be challenging to diagnose, but a visit to a Crystal River Dentist will help pinpoint the source of your discomfort.
Headaches can have various causes, so a physical exam is necessary to determine whether TMD is the source of your headaches. A consultation with a professional will help clarify this.
Most TMJ disorders can be treated effectively with non-invasive treatments like bite splints or physical therapy. Surgery is rarely necessary, but in certain cases, it may be an option. At our office, we’ll always prioritize the safest and least invasive treatments, and you will be involved in all decision-making processes.
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