TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder, causes pain in the joint that connects the jawbone to the skull. You have one of these on each side of your face, and it acts much like a hinge, allowing you to open and close your mouth to chew, eat, and speak. If you’re experiencing TMJ-related discomfort, your daily quality of life may be affected. Luckily, your dentist can help. Here’s how.

Symptoms of TMJ

Signs of TMJ include pain in the face and jaw, possibly radiating to the ears, along with headaches, earaches, and a feeling of pressure behind the eyes. You may even hear a clicking or popping sound when opening or closing your mouth or feel like your jaw gets “locked” at times.

There are many potential reasons for these symptoms to occur, from genetics to arthritis or a traumatic head injury. Teeth grinding can also be to blame. People who unknowingly clench their jaw in their sleep are common TMJ sufferers.

How Your Dentist Can Treat TMJ

The exact treatment for TMJ depends on the cause. A dental X-ray can be used to determine if discomfort is due to the actual joint or surrounding muscle inflammation. Usually, conservative treatments, such as anti-inflammatories and hot/cold application, are the first-line response.

If nighttime teeth grinding is the cause, which is usually noticeable due to jaw pain the next morning, your dentist can create a custom-made retainer. This is worn while you sleep to help alleviate pressure on the joint and avoid wearing down your teeth.

Surgery may also be an option—but is usually only resorted to after other treatments have failed. Your dentist can refer you to a maxillofacial surgeon in your area. These experts specialize in face, mouth, and jaw surgery.

If you think you might be experiencing TMJ, talk with William B. Collier Jr., DMD. This dentist and his team have helped patients in the Enterprise, AL, area for more than 35 years. From root canals to teeth cleanings, their comprehensive services are done using modern technologies and a gentle touch. Find out more about their services online. For an appointment, call (334) 347-5026.