Choosing the right specialist for your temporomandibular joint pain (TMJ) pain and symptoms can make a world of difference. For patients with TMJ, treatment can sometimes feel like an endless series of different tools and techniques to manage the condition. However, if you have TMJ, or suspect you do, you have options in Bucks County for effective treatment. We’ve put together some resources and encourage you to speak with our top-rated dental team to find what works best for you!
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What Is TMJ?
TMJ refers to the pain or dislocation of one or both of the joints that hinge the upper jaw and the lower jaw. TMJ disorders cause pain in the jaw joints and the muscles that control them.
Symptoms of TMJ
Not every person with a TMJ disorder will experience the same symptoms, although these are some of the more common ones:
- A clicking or grating feeling and sound when you open your mouth wide or chew
- Pain or limitation of jaw movement, preventing it from fully functioning
- Tenderness and pain in the jaw area
- Specific pain in one or both of your temporomandibular joints
- General aching facial pain
- Difficulty chewing, pain when chewing, or stiffness when using your jaw repeatedly, such as chewing gum or playing a musical instrument
If you experience several of these symptoms, a consultation with one of our top TMJ pain specialists can help determine the right course of treatment.
Causes of TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorders have several different causes, and often, specialists can’t pinpoint the specific cause of the disorder. Some people have a genetic predisposition to improperly aligned joints or weaker jaw muscles, while others may have their jaw knocked out of alignment in a sporting or car accident. Habitual clenching your teeth or grinding your teeth in your sleep may lead to TMJ disorders, as can arthritis, although others with these habits or arthritis may never develop TMJ complications.
Common TMJ Treatment
Many patients find relief from TMJ pain and a reduction of symptoms with non-invasive treatments. Certain repetitive behaviors and actions may exacerbate the symptoms of TMJ, such as chewing gum, eating certain foods, or playing a musical instrument. In these cases, ceasing or reducing the activities may help with TMJ pain. For those who reflexively grind their teeth while sleeping, a mouth guard may be beneficial. Taking anti-inflammatory medications and light pain killers may also bring relief.
However, there are some cases of severe TMJ that require more aggressive treatment. Your TMJ specialist may recommend X-rays or MRI scans to determine the condition of the jaw joints and the muscles surrounding them. If there is significant damage to the jaw and area around it, a consultation with a surgeon or corticosteroid injections to help reduce the inflammation may be advisable.
Each case is different, and your TMJ specialist will help guide you through symptom treatment options.
Book Your Dentistry Services Today!
In addition to targeted treatment options for TMJ, Dental Beauty offers comprehensive dental dentistry services. Our state-of-the-art offices are welcoming and comfortable, and we employ the latest tools and techniques in dentistry, often without referring you to a specialist. Reach out to us to book your TMJ consultation or any other dental service today!