The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a crucial joint that connects your jawbone to your skull. This joint allows you to open your mouth to talk, chew, yawn, and make other essential movements. When your TMJ function is compromised, you suffer from a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). TMD may lead to jaw pain, locked jaw syndrome, facial pain, and chewing difficulties.
If the pain and discomfort are mild and temporary, you can manage temporomandibular joint disorders with self-managed care and in the comfort of your home. In the event of chronic and distressing pain, it’s best to seek a dentist’s attention for TMJ treatment near you.
Causes and Symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
It’s often challenging to determine the exact cause of a TMJ disorder, as it is often a combination of multiple factors. Some factors contributing to jaw pain include genetics, traumatic injury, arthritis, bruxism or teeth clenching, and connective tissue problems.
Some common symptoms of TMJ disorder include
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Persistent pain in and around your ear
- Experiencing pain or difficulty while chewing
- Facial pain
- Locked jaw syndrome
- Clicking sounds when chewing
- Headaches or migraines
If you’re experiencing these worrisome signs, contact us immediately to schedule a thorough consultation with our dentist or visit our dental clinic in Culver City for TMJ treatment.
What to Expect During Your Appointment for TMJ Treatment
We ask you questions to understand your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle. Next, we take x-rays to gain in-depth insights into the health status of your jaw. We’ll also want to check your bite and the health of your teeth. Severely misaligned teeth can lead to teeth clenching, which in turn causes jaw pain. We’ll investigate all possible options before recommending the best treatment.
Based on our assessment outcome, we may recommend medications such as anti-inflammatories, pain relievers, or other therapies, including occlusal appliances such as mouth guards and oral splints. For severe cases of TMD, surgical intervention may be required.
Temporomandibular joint disorders can critically compromise your oral well-being and quality of life. If it looks like you have TMD, it’s best to get checked right away. Contact Toothopia Dental today to book a consultation with our dentist. We provide TMJ treatment in Culver City, Beverly Hills, Palms, Cheviot Hill, Playa Vista, and nearby areas. So call us now for an appointment or visit our dental clinic today.