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The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a band of tissue that connects the lower jaw to the skull. TMJ disorder occurs when a person experiences pain and stiffness in this area. While symptoms of TMJ disorder are often mild, severe issues may call for jaw surgery. Learn about some of the causes of TMJ disorder to help you figure out what kind of treatment you might need.

What Causes TMJ Disorder?

1. Arthritis 

Arthritis is a chronic condition that impacts the joints, including those in the jaw. Conservative treatments like massages, ice packs, and over-the-counter pain relievers are beneficial for treating arthritis present in this area. If chewing is painful, eat soft foods.

2. Bruxism

jaw surgeryBruxism is the term for when a person repeatedly grinds or clenches their teeth. It can be caused by stress or a side effect of medication. In some cases, it may just be a bad habit that developed over time. Besides contributing to jaw pain, grinding can damage teeth and cause a clicking noise when the mouth opens. Custom mouthguards are often prescribed to protect against the damaging effects of bruxism.

3. Malocclusion

Malocclusion occurs when teeth are improperly aligned. Teeth can be crowded or crooked, or a person might have an under or overbite. Teeth misalignment puts pressure on the jaw, which, in turn, causes pain and other issues associated with TMJ disorder. In terms of treatment, braces are often used to push teeth into proper position. Jaw surgery may also be an option, which can reshape the jaw so teeth are aligned better. 

4. Facial Trauma

TMJ disorders don’t always result from a medical issue. They can also be caused by facial trauma, such as jaw fractures from sports injuries or car accidents. If you sustain a jaw fracture and experience TMJ disorder symptoms after healing, consult an oral surgeon’s professional opinion on the best solution. 

 

If you’re experiencing significant symptoms of TMJ disorder, the best option may be jaw surgery at Oral Surgery Associates of Alaska. The Anchorage practice uses state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment like the I-CAT 3-D Imaging CT Scan to first establish the scope of any issues. From there, they’ll walk you through every step of the procedure to ensure you’re comfortable. Learn more about their jaw surgery services by visiting the website. To schedule an appointment, call (907) 561-1430 today. 

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