If you feel stiffness in your jaw, have difficulty opening your mouth fully or pain when you chew, you may be experiencing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems. The family dentists at Drs Bradford and Catchings Family Dentistry in Fishersville, VA, are familiar with TMJ disorder and the most effective treatment methods for it. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with TMJ or think you may be experiencing it, use the following four questions to better understand what to expect from this condition.

4 Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ

1. What Is TMJ?

The temporomandibular joint is an important part of your jaw that sits just in front of your ear on the side of your face. It is comprised of different ligaments that hold together the joint and is responsible for opening and closing the mouth, as well as allowing the lower jaw to slide forward during speech.

2. What Is TMJ disorder?

Like any other joint, the temporomandibular is subject to the same wear and tear or injury. Causes of TMJ syndrome can include injury to the jaw area, grinding or clenching teeth at night, arthritis or a misaligned bite. Many family dentists see patients experiencing TMJ disorder, which can cause pain in the jaw, neck, and head, as well as difficulty chewing, muscle spasms, or even lockjaw. 

3. How Is TMJ Disorder Diagnosed?

If your family dentist suspects you may have TMJ disorder, they may order X-rays or a CT scan to get a clearer picture of your jaw anatomy. The results of these tests will help your family dentist determine not only if you have TMJ syndrome, but also the severity of your condition and what the best course of treatment is.

4. How Is This Condition Treated?

Mild cases of TMJ disorder may go away without treatment, but should be closely monitored by your family dentist. If your TMJ is caused by nightly teeth grinding, you may be given a night guard to wear to relieve symptoms. More severe cases of TMJ disorder may require oral surgery, but your family dentist will walk through all your options before recommending this.

If you’re experiencing difficulties with your jaw, schedule an appointment with one of the professionals at Drs Bradford and Catchings Family Dentistry. The family dentists at the office are trained and equipped to treat your oral care needs, whether it’s TMJ treatment or a routine teeth cleaning. Learn more about this dental practice by visiting their website or calling (540) 213-1966.