TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. The short version is often used to describe the conditions of these joints instead of the joints themselves.
The TMJs are in front of the ears and connect the lower jaw to the lower face. When the joints are damaged or not working correctly, it can lead to various complications.
What Is TMJ and What are the Symptoms?
Disorders of the TMJ can range from mild to severe and worsen over time. If you have TMJ, you may notice a clicking sound in the jaw joints when chewing or yawning.
Additional symptoms include:
- Jaw pain
- Recurring Headaches
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Locked jaw
If your TMJ is related to bruxism (teeth grinding), you may also notice tooth wear and damage, including increasing cavities, bulkiness in front of the ears, and even tooth fractures.
The pain associated with TMJ can be severe and lessen life quality.
Causes and TMJ Treatment in Chesterfield, MO
TMJ may result from an anatomical issue present at birth that worsens over time. You can also develop TMJ through injury, bruxism, or unknown causes.
Treatment depends on the severity of your TMJ and can range from joint exercises to oral surgery and orthodontic treatment.
Your dentist can often recommend specific therapies like a temporary soft-food diet to lessen chewing. We can also create a custom nightguard to relax the jaw joints and help them heal.
You wear the nightguard during sleep to relax the joints and prevent aggravation due to bruxism.
Of course, the dentist first evaluates you to ensure you’re a candidate for nightguard therapy.
Contact Your Dentist in Chesterfield, MO Today
We understand that TMJ can be painful and want to help you enjoy a pain-free life. Contact us today to arrange a consultation with the dentist or if you have questions for our dental team. And remember to ask about our membership plan!