Questions to Consider When Choosing a TMJ Doctor

Your jawbone is connected to your skull via the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Your lower jaw has one joint on each side. The jaw joint and the muscles controlling jaw movement can become inflamed with TMJ disorders, a type of temporomandibular disorder.
 
Nearly 40 million Americans experience some form of TMJ disorder. TMJ disorders can be debilitating conditions that cause widespread oral dysfunction and pain impeding a patient’s ability to speak, chew, and maintain proper function of the jaw.
 
It can be difficult to determine the exact cause of a person’s TMJ disorder. Your pain may be the result of a combination of factors, such as genetics, arthritis, or a jaw injury. Most of the time, people who have jaw pain also grind or clench their teeth (bruxism), although many people habitually grind or clench their teeth without developing TMJ disorders.
 
Self-managed care or nonsurgical treatments can often alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with TMJ disorders. In some cases of TMJ disorders, surgery may be the last resort after conservative measures have failed.

Due to TMJ syndrome’s ability to affect many parts of the mouth, it presents a wide range of symptoms. Pain or tenderness of the jaw, aching pain around or in the ear, aching facial pain, and pain in one or both temporomandibular joints, are common.
 
Pain while chewing or difficulty chewing, locking of the joint that impedes the ability to open or close the mouth, may also occur. If you open your mouth or chew, you may hear a clicking sound or feel a grating sensation. When your jaw clicks without causing pain or limiting movement, you may not need treatment for TMJ problems.
 
When you experience persistent pain or tenderness in your jaw, or if you are unable to open or close your jaw completely, seek medical attention. You can discuss possible causes and treatments for your TMJ problem with your doctor, dentist, or a TMJ specialist. When left untreated, TMJ disorder can cause considerable discomfort and tension, although it is not life-threatening. Anxiety and depression or other mental distress can develop as a result of chronic pain.

TMJ is a progressive condition. Consequently, your treatment options will narrow as it worsens over time.
 
TMJ symptoms might seem inconsequential at first. Your jaw might pop and move irregularly. There may be times when your jaw muscles hurt. It is possible that your jaw joint will grind later on. There is even a possibility that your jaw might lock open or shut, which can be very alarming. There is an increase in the intensity and frequency of jaw pain. You may experience louder and more disruptive ringing in your ears. In the absence of treatment, the condition can become debilitating.

TMJ syndrome can be slowed, stopped, or even reversed if it is detected and treated early. Non-invasive treatment can be very effective, and it is easy to perform. TMJ might damage the jaw joint more if left untreated for a long time. At some point, it may be necessary to perform surgery.
 
TMJ surgery is only used for severe cases as it may require extensive downtime. Early detection through maintaining regular dental appointments and prompt treatment are the best courses of action.
 
Beyond Dental & Implant Center offers regular and emergency dentistry services meaning we can treat TMJ syndrome at any stage and help patients live pain-free life with improved overall oral health. Contact us through the pages of our website today and let us help you on your oral health journey and how we can help treat your TMJ. We serve patients from Dallas TX, Plano TX, Addison TX, Garland TX, Richardson TX, Carrollton TX, and BEYOND!