The pain from TMJ disorder is due to excess stress being placed on the muscles and bones and joint of the jaw and face. When you open and close your mouth, do you hear clicking or popping sounds? Do your facial muscles feel sore or tired? You may have issues with your temporomandibular joint – the hinge-like joint in your jaw – which can cause a variety of symptoms. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to your skull and is responsible for how you move your jaw. This joint allows you to yawn, chew, and talk. Injury or damage to this joint can negatively impact your oral health and can cause pain or discomfort. Some commonly reported symptoms of TMJ include:
- Noisy movement of the jaw
- Pain or swelling in the facial muscles
- Migraines
- Pain or tension in the neck or shoulders
- Difficulty opening your mouth widely
Though these symptoms are sometimes indicative of other medical complications, it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis of TMJ disorder in order to treat it properly. At Suezaki Family Dentistry, we’ll evaluate your jaw function and determine if your TMJ may be injured or damaged.
Treating TMJ/Jaw Pain
We believe that the pain from TMJ disorder is due to excess stress being placed on the muscles of your jaw and face. Because the jaw is not functioning properly, other muscles must account for the added work. We’ll treat TMJ disorder as it relates to your muscles and seek to eliminate pain by balancing your bite and taking the stress off your other muscles. If you believe you are suffering from TMJ disorder or have any of the above symptoms, ask us how we can help!
