It isn’t the most common dental issue, but at least 12% of Americans suffer from problems with the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ. The symptoms generally involve jaw pain, grinding or clicking, stiffness, or limited movement. In fact, some may not even realize their random habits are creating an issue. In case you aren’t sure where the TMJ is located, it’s the joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull on either side of your head.
There are plenty of causes for developing TMJ disorder, such as physical injury, infections, stress, and even dental problems. This causes it to be difficult to diagnose so finding the proper professional to both diagnose and treat TMJ disorder is important. Dedicated TMJ treatment centers, staffed by doctors who specialize in all of the potential causes of TMJ disorders, are often the most likely to properly diagnose and treat the disorder quickly.
Because there are so many different ways to develop TMJ disorder, the treatment methods will vary by case. Treatments may include combinations of pain medications, dental or orthodontic procedures to align teeth for proper bite, surgery to correct physical injuries, physical therapy to adjust muscle tensions that are causing problems, or even sleep and stress therapy to assist patients in relaxing so that their own muscles do not cause strain for the jawbone.
If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort in your jaw, consider seeing a specialist. While the diagnosis may not be as easy as other medical problems, a dedicated TMJ doctor can help relieve your pain and solve your jaw-related problems.
If you would like further information regarding TMJ disorder, contact Tory Hill Dental at 207-929-6626 to schedule an appointment today. Or visit toryhilldental.com for additional information.