Symptoms and Treatments of TMJ Disorders

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD or TMD), or TMJ syndrome, is an umbrella term covering acute or chronic inflammation of the temporomandibular joint, which connects the mandible to the skull. The disorder can cause significant pain and impairment.

TMJ disorders can have a variety of symptoms, including:

Popping, clicking, or grating sounds in the jaw when the mouth is opening or closing A jaw that locks open or closed Inability to open the mouth entirely Misaligned or worn teeth Pain or tenderness in the jaw, neck, shoulders, or ear when chewing or speaking Difficulty speaking or chewing Toothache or headache Neckache Dizziness Earaches or difficulty hearing


Many disorders can have similar symptoms to those of TMJ disorders, so if you are suffering from any of these symptoms, it's important that you schedule an appointment with your dentist for a thorough assessment of your TMJ symptoms and an accurate diagnosis.

TMJ disorder treatments may include anti-inflammatory medications, warm compresses, and orthopedic splints to correct any misalignment of the jaw. Relaxation techniques can also help to soothe the muscles in the jaw. More extensive treatments may be required when the TMJ disorder doesn't respond to conservative treatments. These can include arthrocentesis- an irrigation procedure to reduce inflammation; arthroscopy- a procedure to remove or realign damaged discs; and open joint surgery- to replace the joint itself.

If you have been suffering from symptoms of TMJ disorder, you should contact our North Hollywood dentist for an evaluation. Treatment can help you ease the pain of TMJ disorders and help you regain the full functionality of your jaw.

Source: North Hollywood Dentist

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