TMJ dentist
Tmj Dentist Review
If you are experiencing severe discomfort or pain in your jaw, or if you have frequent unexplained headaches or ear pain, there is a good chance that a TMJ dentist can help. TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder, is a common condition that sounds complicated, but it can actually be treated quite easily. The TMJ is the joint on either side of your jaw that enables you to open and close your mouth. You can feel this complex, triangular formation of bone and soft tissue by pressing your fingers to your face just in front of your ears. Because this is the most often moved joint in the body, it is subject to a great deal of stress. Continuous gum chewing, eating hard foods, even holding the phone with your chin and shoulder can place strain on the muscles and bones that make up the TMJ. After years of wear and tear, chronic pain can result. An even more common source of TMJ pain is bruxism, the medical term for grinding or clenching your teeth (mainly in your sleep). This common reaction to stress is mostly unconscious, so that in most cases you are not even aware you are doing it. If you frequently wake up with stiffness or discomfort in the jaw, earaches, headaches or facial pain, chances are that you have a TMJ disorder. A dentist who specializes in TMJ pain can help to cure the pain and prevent it from returning later on.
How can TMJ doctors diagnose joint pain in the jaw? In most cases, your description of the symptoms and a physical examination can determine whether a TMJ disorder is the cause of your jaw pain. An MRI is helpful if your doctor suspects soft tissue damage in the temporomandibular joint.
How can a TMJ specialist help to stop my joint pain? A specialist in jaw pain can recommend the best treatment for your discomfort. Hot or cold compresses can relieve pain and inflammation, and ibuprofen or naproxen are helpful for relieving swelling and aches in the jaw and face.
Where can I find TMJ specialists who can help me? Our TMJ professionals can show you how to relieve the pain of sore jaw joints and how to prevent it from coming back. With years of experience in the dental field, we have the knowledge and expertise to treat any case of TMJ disorder.
What is the best way to prevent jaw pain from occurring? If you have jaw pain, try to be aware when you are clenching your teeth or grinding them. A TMJ dentist can design a fitted mouth guard to stop you from grinding your teeth in your sleep.