The Warning Signs of TMJ
December 20, 2016
Do you have pain around your jaw joint or difficulty fully opening your mouth? It could be inflammation of the temporomandibular joint, commonly known as TMJ. While TMJ may seem like a minor inconvenience or frustration, the truth is it can affect your daily quality of life. Dr. Todd Engel is an expert at diagnosing and treating TMJ to prevent chronic pain. Here are some of the warning signs that you may have TMJ and information about how Dr. Engel can mitigate it.
Common Symptoms of TMJ
TMJ can manifest in several types of chronic pain around the mouth and jaw. Some people experience a constant ache around the jaw joint that may result in chronic headaches and earaches. You may notice other symptoms, such as difficulty fully opening your mouth along with a locking, sticking, or popping feeling in the jaw joint. If you feel like your jaw is misaligned, it is essential to contact Dr. Engel for diagnosis and treatment.
Possible Causes and Treatments
TMJ pain can be caused by a number of different issues, such as:
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Arthritis
- Injuries to mouth, jaw, or teeth
- Locking of the jaw joint due to misalignment of teeth or jaw
The treatment for TMJ depends on the underlying cause, and the symptoms can become worse over time if not treated. During your consultation with Dr. Engel, he will determine the cause and suggest treatment. Some patients are fitted for a mouth guard to prevent teeth grinding at night whereas others come into the office for an occlusal adjustment that realigns the teeth and jaw.
Contact a Dental Professional for TMJ Treatment
If you notice jaw pain, chronic headaches, or a misaligned feeling in your jaw, it could be a TMJ issue. Proper diagnosis and treatment can reduce your pain and prevent the problem from becoming worse. Contact our office today to set up a consultation with Dr. Engel.