The “Temporomandibular Joint,” more commonly referred to as the “jaw joint,” assists in the basic opening and closing movements of the jaw. Unfortunately, this joint is a common area for recurring pain. A problem with either of the jaw joints is known as a TMJ disorder. A variety of conditions can lead to difficulty with the TMJ including:
- Nighttime teeth grinding
- Teeth clenching (also known as bruxism)
- Previous trauma to the jaw
- Fingernail biting
- Bad malocclusion (bite)
- Stress
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
Symptoms of TMJ disorder vary, and often times may not necessarily be linked directly to the jaw. Some signs of TMJ disorder include:
- Pain near the front or below the ears
- Ringing in the ears
- Dizziness
- Grinding
- Popping sounds
- Headaches
Although conventional wisdom suggests that “popping” sounds in the jaw indicates a TMJ dysfunction, this is not always true. Many times, your jaw is functioning properly even if a “popping” sound is present when chewing or talking
Dr. White will conduct a through dental and medical examination that will help determine the best course of treatment. Common pain relievers and cold compresses can provide temporary relief for most cases of TMJ.
For more serious cases of TMJ, we will recommend alternate treatments. Often, we will suggest using a mouth guard to relieve teeth grinding. In some cases, we will instruct you to use orthodontic appliances or retainers to alleviate discomfort or redirect positioning of the TMJ joint. For the most severe cases of TMJ, we may recommend certain invasive procedures.