TMJ Treatment
TMJ or Temporomandibular disorders (TMD), occur as a result of problems with your jaw, jaw joint and surrounding facial muscles that control chewing and moving your jaw. TMJ can cause pain or poor function in your jaw joint and surrounding muscles. There are several potential causes of TMJ. A majority of the disorders stem from muscle problems. A small portion of the disorders come from problems with the joint itself.
Symptoms of TMJ include:
- Headaches
- Earaches
- Trouble/soreness in opening and closing the mouth
- Clicking or popping in the jaw joint
- Pain or stiffness in the jaw muscles
- Soreness in the area, sometimes extending to the face
- Changes in the fit between the upper and lower teeth
Treatments can include simple home remedies, the use of a bite splint, drug therapy, physical therapy or surgery. If you think you might be suffering from TMJ, your dentist can help you determine the best course of action.