Do you have headaches, joint stiffness, trouble chewing, or neck and shoulder pain? These are some common symptoms of an inflamed or irritated temporomandibular joint, also known as TMJ. The dentists at the Laser Dental Center are more than happy to discuss any symptoms you may be experiencing as a result from this joint. For more information on this or any other questions you encounter, please call our Brandon, Florida dental office today!
The "Temporomandibular Joint," or "jaw joint," assists in the basic opening and closing movements of the jaw. Unfortunately, this joint is a common area for recurring pain. Although conventional wisdom suggests that "popping" sounds in the jaw indicates a TMJ dysfunction, this is not always true. Many times, your jaw is functioning properly even if a "popping" sound is present when chewing or talking.
TMJ symptoms can include:
ongoing chronic headaches
pain in your jaw
pain in your neck and shoulders
discomfort or stiff jaw muscle
limited movement or locking of the jaw
ear pain, pressure
painful clicking, popping or grating in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth
a bite that feels like something “just isn’t right”
Our office offers a TMJ exam that evaluates the joint tissue in the "hinge" of the jaw. Possible problems include swelling, deterioration of the joint tissue or damaged joint tissue (which cushions the jaw bones during the opening and closing movement of the mouth). Common pain relievers and cold compresses can provide temporary relief for most cases of TMJ. For more serious cases of TMJ, we will recommend alternate treatments. Often, we will suggest using a mouth guard to relieve teeth grinding. In some cases, we will instruct you to use orthodontic appliances or retainers to alleviate discomfort or redirect positioning of the TMJ joint. For the most severe cases of TMJ, we may recommend certain invasive procedures.
If your joint pain is keeping you from eating, sleeping, or even talking, it’s time to see an experienced dental professional. The Dental Laser Center has the technology and the friendly staff to ensure a pleasant and effective treatment. We proudly serve patients in Brandon, Seffner, and Valrico, Florida. Drs. Waterman and Gordillo-Osterberg are happy to discuss your TMJ/TMD treatment options. To learn more about our team of amazing dental professionals, click here!