ARE YOU EXPERIENCING JAW PAIN?
Do you have toothaches, pain upon chewing, or generalized sensitivities, but your dentist says nothing is wrong? Are you experiencing jaw pain, earaches, or stuffiness in your ear without any apparent reason?
If this sounds like your situation, you might be having an issue with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The TMJ is the hinge joint on either side of your face used for opening and closing your mouth. It consists of the joint between your mandible and temporal bone with a disc between the bones. Your jaw muscles pull on the mandible to move it around when you talk and eat.
TMJ issues are often caused by teeth grinding, clenching, jaw injuries, arthritis, teeth misalignment, and everyday wear and tear.
Common symptoms of TMJ disorders:
- Pain or tenderness in the jaw
- Clicking and popping sound upon moving jaw
- Difficulties in opening or closing mouth
- Jaw tightness and soreness in the morning
- Trouble biting down or teeth are not coming together
- Phantom tooth pain or sensitivities
- Headaches, earaches, or neck pain or stiffness
TMJ treatment varies from person to person and may include medication, physical therapy, custom mouthguards, and jaw surgery. Without corrective measures, TMJ disorders can permanently damage the jaw. The cartilage that supports the joint can wear away, while the jawbone may erode, causing painful friction in the jaw and increasing the chance for jaw dislocation.
Untreated TMJ symptoms like severe pain and inflammation can disrupt sleep, making falling or staying asleep difficult. Similarly, TMJ can result in jaw stiffness, leading to bruxism and sleep apnea, further compromising your sleep and worsening jaw discomfort.
What are my treatment options?
We have several different options that can help relieve the pain coming from your temporomandibular joint:
1) Nightguard: An oral appliance worn during sleep to alleviate pressure on the joint and protect teeth if you grind.
2) Invisalign: While Invisalign can improve the appearance of your smile, it can also reduce stress on your TMJ by aligning your teeth, thereby lessening inflammation and pain caused by TMJ disorder.
3) Therapeutic Botox: Botox can help decrease tension within your muscles, reducing teeth grinding and headaches associated with TMJ disorder. The purpose of Therapeutic Botox (FDA-approved) is to relax the muscles, relieving any tension causing pain.
Proper diagnosis is essential for TMJ disorder, so it’s crucial to consult with a qualified healthcare professional.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of TMJ disorder or have concerns about your jaw health, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a consultation. Our team of experienced professionals is here to help diagnose your condition and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
To schedule your consultation, please contact us today. We look forward to assisting you on your journey to improved jaw health and overall well-being.
