When you want to learn more about the diagnosis, treatment, and cause of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, TMJ, visit a TMJ dentist in Huntsville for quality information. When you think you may have TMJ, it can be hard to know what to expect. We can answer all your questions about TMJ and how it affects you.
Scientifically referred to as temporomandibular joint and muscle disorder, is a group of different conditions that directly affect your temporomandibular joint. Your temporomandibular joint connects your lower jaw, called the mandible, to the bone at the side of your head which is referred to as the temporal bone.
The mandible controls your jaw movement, including when you eat, speak, and yawn. When you have TMJ disorders, you will experience discomfort and tension within and around this joint.
The causes of TMJ disorders are still relatively unknown. There could be many causes including repercussions from a jaw injury, links to other disorders, an incorrect bite, or a former orthodontic treatment. We can speculate what might have caused your TMJ when you come in for an appointment to our office. Typically we find that the symptoms are related to grinding and clenching your teeth at night.
You will know you have TMJ by the symptoms. Symptoms include inflammation or heat in the temporomandibular joint area, discomfort, clicking, popping, or grinding coming from your jaw, stiffness or tension in your jaw, or changes in how your upper and lower teeth come together.
If you still are not sure whether or not you have TMJ disorders, visit a TMJ dentist in Huntsville for an official examination and diagnosis. We can also provide treatment as needed.
Treatment of TMJ begins at home. Try icing the area when it becomes inflamed or irritated, eat softer foods that do not aggravate your symptoms and avoid chewing gum, and take ibuprofen or another over the counter pain reliever when discomfort begins or if it seems to happen at the same time every day.
If your discomfort is more severe and consistent, visit a TMJ dentist in Huntsville for treatment. We can suggest other at-home care options for relieving pain, we can provide you with a stabilization splint or night guard to inhibit jaw or dental bite movement involuntarily, and we may even consider providing you with a prescription to help with discomfort or Botox that has been proven to also help.
In most cases of TMJ disorders, prolonged symptoms, and long-term detrimental effects are not common. Most patients only suffer brief bouts of pain and swelling that will subside fairly quickly. In many cases, the symptoms of TMJ happen in a cyclical manner that is not caused by any one thing unless it is due to persistent grinding or clenching. To learn more about TMJ causes and treatment, schedule an appointment with our TMJ dentist in Huntsville. We will inform you of everything you should know about TMJ and what you can expect from this disorder going forward.
Want to know what symptoms are associated with TMJ? Many symptoms are linked to this commonly diagnosed jaw-related disorder, including jaw pain. However, other symptoms are important to be aware of as they can help the general dentist make a diagnosis and treatment plan. Many are surprised to learn that a general dentist can diagnose and…
If you experience soreness or pain in the jaw, you may want to talk with your dentist about TMJ treatment and whether the condition is causing your pain or other issues. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) is a serious condition that causes stiffness in the joints of the jaw, pain, soreness, swelling, and loss of movement.…
TMJ disorder, or temporomandibular joint disorders, refers to a group of issues related to mobility and discomfort around the jaw joints. The temporomandibular joints are the joints that link the lower jawbone (mandible) to the skull. More than any other joint in the body, these flexible joints are constantly in use, performing actions such as…
TMJ disorder is a common issue that can result from teeth grinding and other dental concerns. Most instances are minor, but TMJ that is left untreated can linger or worsen into a more serious issue. Many instances of jaw pain are caused by TMJ, and it is helpful to understand the symptoms of TMJ and…
Endodontics is primarily thought of as restorative treatment, but it can have cosmetic benefits as well. Your smile is one of the first things that other people notice. A healthy-looking smile can make you look more attractive, compared to having damaged, poorly managed teeth. Restoring the way that a tooth looks can help improve your…
Veneers are a common type of dental restoration and can be used to cover up damaged teeth. Dental injuries, specifically, can occur from just about anything, but a common cause is in the workplace. While most may think of a back sprain or minor burn when it comes to workplace injuries, workplace dental injuries are…