The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is responsible for controlling the movement of your lower jaw and when it’s not functioning properly, you may experience pain and difficulty eating and talking. If you have a TMJ disorder, it’s crucial to visit a dentist. Here is a quick guide to TMJ disorders to help you decide if you need to seek dental services.

Symptoms

In most cases, individuals with TMJ disorders will have symptoms when opening and closing their mouths. Some symptoms include a clicking noise around the jaw, aches and pains, problems chewing, and stiffness. You may experience these on one or both sides of the jaw. 

Causes

It can be difficult for dentists to pinpoint the exact cause of TMJ disorders. However, arthritis, facial injuries, and teeth-grinding are believed to increase a person’s risk of experiencing symptoms. Additionally, diseases in the body’s connective tissues can cause jaw pain.

Treatments

The first step to treating a TMJ disorder is to undergo an exam at your dentist. After your exam, your dental service provider may prescribe medications to decrease pain and increase jaw function. Common medications include over-the-counter pain relievers, muscle relaxers, or medications that reduce swelling. When teeth grinding is an issue, patients are often provided a mouthguard to prevent symptoms. If these options don’t work, surgery is often recommended. Surgical procedures relieve TMJ tension by removing damaged tissues contributing to the stiffness.

If you suffer from jaw pain, finding a dental services provider is the first step to finding relief. For patients in Hamilton County, OH, Clements Family Dentistry will perform an examination to get to the bottom of your oral issue and will then treat the pain. They also offer other dental services, including dental implants, veneers, deep scaling, bonding, and crowns and bridge placements. Schedule an exam today by calling (513) 887-7027 or by visiting them online.