Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ, is a condition affecting the joint that connects the upper and lower jaws. Its exact cause is unknown, but TMJ sufferers can count on the dental care professionals at Bridgeview Dental Group to help them handle this serious condition. Located in Kodiak, AK, this practice offers dentistry services that go beyond basic cleaning and teeth whitening. They’re committed to helping their patients achieve lifelong oral health, and treating TMJ is part of that. But what exactly is TMJ, and how is it treated?

What It Is

The joints connecting the lower and upper jaws are responsible for moving the jaws forward, backward, and side to side. Bones, muscles, ligaments, and discs work together in a complex system to allow for chewing, talking, yawning, and every other kind of jaw movement. When that system is interrupted in any way, it’s called TMJ. The cause behind one person’s joint disorder may not be the same as another’s.

Symptoms

Knowing whether you have TMJ isn’t always obvious because the symptoms are often mistaken for other problems. Some of the most common signs of TMJ include headaches, earaches, tenderness of the jaw, pain brought on by yawning, lock jaw, and a clicking or popping sound when the mouth is opened or closed. Your dental care provider will conduct a clinical examination and take X-rays to determine whether your symptoms are related to TMJ.

Treatment

TMJ has no specific cure, but there are treatment options that have been proven to reduce the associated symptoms. Your dental care provider may suggest taking muscle relaxants or over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce discomfort and eliminate muscle spasms. If your particular case of TMJ causes you to clench or grind your teeth, your dentist may suggest a bite plate. If these treatment methods prove to be unsuccessful, surgery is a secondary option.

If you suffer from TMJ, or think you do, don’t settle for a life of pain. The dental care professionals at Bridgeview Dental Group have the experience needed to recommend an effective treatment plan. Visit their website to learn more about their dentistry services, and schedule an appointment by calling (907) 486-3257.