Understanding TMJ and the Jaw Pain It Comes With
April 3, 2019
Your temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is responsible for opening and closing your mouth. It is an essential joint, but due to a litany of forces, it can sustain damage over time. If you have an uneven bite or sustain facial trauma, it is possible for the joint to not work properly. It is critical to see Dr. Richard Weimar at Weimar Family Dentistry as soon as you notice complications developing in your jaw.
Symptoms
One of the most prevalent signs of damage is jaw pain. This pain may even radiate to the neck and shoulders. This discomfort will become more pronounced any time you yawn, chew or talk. Some patients report experiencing muscle spasms when they have not moved their jaw in a while. Another symptom includes tinnitus, which is chronic ringing in the ears.
A lot of patients report hearing clicking, popping or grating noises any time they move their joints. This signifies the disc is located in an abnormal position. The sounds may not necessarily cause pain, but they can become annoying quickly. Extra symptoms patients may suffer from include:
- Poor dentition
- Emotional distress
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Swelling on one side of the face
Treatments
Fortunately, there are several ways to treat this condition, and Dr. Weimar will determine which one is best for you. For the time being, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers, but our dentist can prescribe something stronger if necessary. We may also prescribe muscle relaxants or tricyclic antidepressants. There are various therapies available to soothe the discomfort. Some patients may need to wear a mouth guard. Only in extreme circumstances will surgery be mandatory.
Call Us
As soon as you have pain in the jaw, you need to schedule an appointment with us. No pain should be considered normal, and treatment will be easier the sooner you can get it done.