TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint, which is located near the jawline. When there is any sort of malfunction with the joint, the result is TMJ disorder. Sufferers of TMJ disorder tend to experience pain and difficulty performing things such as eating, smiling and speaking.
TMJ pain has treatment options, including wearing oral appliances, practicing self-care therapy at home and taking prescribed medications advised by a general dentist. Since some of the more common symptoms associated with a TMJ diagnosis include headaches, earaches, jaw pain and facial pain, it is necessary for those diagnosed to seek out their treatment options as quickly as possible.
The list below includes some of the most commonly asked questions about TMJ disorders.
There are many different reasons that would cause someone to be diagnosed with a case of TMJ disorder. Some of the more popular causes include teeth grinding and clenching, undergoing a great deal of stress, experiencing some type of injury that affects the jaw, being diagnosed with arthritis or living with multiple crooked teeth. Once the cause is determined, treatment will be much easier.
It is likely that those who do not undergo treatment for their case of TMJ will experience more severe symptoms over time. This is because the longer someone is living with this disorder without treatment, the more it will have a tendency to progress. When long-time TMJ patients finally decide to undergo treatment because their symptoms are worsening, they will often need more intensive treatment and for a longer period of time.
General dentists recommend a treatment plan to be made as soon as symptoms appear as this ensures that the disorder is managed and hopefully remedied long-term.
Women who are between the ages of 18 and 44 are more likely to be diagnosed with a TMJ disorder. Additional factors that increase one’s chances of being diagnosed with TMJ include having poor neck posture, being diagnosed with previous jaw-related trauma, having a mouth full of crooked teeth and being diagnosed with a connective tissue disease. It is possible for some people to avoid a TMJ disorder diagnosis altogether by asking a general dentist for their professional advice on ways to prevent it from developing.
Many individuals that suffer from TMJ pain or dysfunction will experience life-long symptoms, however, with the help of a general dentist and a personalized treatment plan, symptoms may be reduced.
When looking for more information on TMJ disorder and how it can be treated, it is best to undergo an evaluation with a general dentist. The evaluation can determine the appropriate course of action, which will likely include a number of remedies. Reach out today to find out more or to get started with an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.drericjohnson.com or call Dr. Eric Johnson at (949) 205-1139 for an appointment in our San Clemente office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: TMJ Dentist in San Clemente, CA.
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 not a pleasant condition and can cause pain and discomfort. Although there are many contributing factors to TMJ disorder, there are different treatment options to correct and treat it, including medications. Sometimes symptoms of TMJ disorders disappear without treatment, but if they do not, you may get prescriptions to relieve the condition.Patients…
TMJ disorder can cause an immense amount of pain and serious dysfunction in the jaw and facial region. It is necessary to see a general dentist for TMJ disorder treatment options. General dentists undergo extensive training that prepares them to properly diagnose and treat TMJ. Thinking only a medical professional can treat TMJ? In fact, dental…
Find out more about TMJ, a common jaw-related disorder. Visiting a general dentist allows individuals to receive a proper diagnosis, as well as understand how severe the TMJ is. Once diagnosed, treatment is the next step.Understanding what TMJ is and how it can affect one’s oral health is important. Since TMJ can also affect one’s…
The process of ClearCorrect® may look slightly different for every patient, but there are certain steps in the process that are more common. You can decide whether ClearCorrect® is right for you and prepare yourself physically and mentally by gaining a better understanding of the process and what each step involves.ClearCorrect is on average faster…
When treating a cavity, your dentist needs to remove the decaying portion of the tooth and then “fill” it with a dental filling. The material is beneficial for repairing broken, decayed, and worn down teeth. Tooth decay only gets worse, which makes it extremely important to treat it as soon as possible. Most people do not…