If you’re noticing pain or tenderness in your jaw area, there could be an underlying reason for this problem. You may have what is called Temporomandibular Joint, also known as TMJ. What is TMJ and how do you know if that is the condition you’re dealing with? Dr. Bundalo and our friendly staff here at LB Dental can help you understand this problem and get you diagnosed if you’re experiencing pain. Here are some of the signs of TMJ and how our office can assist you if this is what you’re dealing with.
Signs of TMJ
There are several signs and symptoms to be on the lookout for if you’re concerned about having TMJ. Those include things such as:
- Having difficulty chewing or experiencing pain while you’re chewing
- Pain that seems to be more of an ache around your ear area
- Aching type pain in your face
- The joint seems to lock up which causes you difficulty in opening or closing your jaw
- Experiencing tenderness or pain in the jaw area
- Pain in your temporomandibular joint regions
What Causes TMJ?
There are a variety of causes of this type of condition in your jaw. They could be from an injury to your jaw such as a blow to the face. You could have developed TMJ due to a result of arthritis in your body as it damages the joints and cartilage. Another reason it develops is that the disk in your joint moves out of alignment or it erodes itself.
Treatment Options
There are a variety of options that our team uses to help you treat the TMJ pain and problem itself. Once the exam is completed and we’ve determined that you have TMJ, we will discuss a plan of action with you. We can work with you to determine what course of treatment to help relieve the pain that you’re experiencing. Those treatment options may include things such as orthodontics to help align your jaw, anti-inflammatory medications to reduce the inflammation and pain, or even injections of cortisone to help relieve the problem.
While it is very rare, surgery may be needed but these are typically for very severe cases of TMJ where no other treatment options have worked.
If you’re experience TMJ type pain or you know that you have this condition already, call us today at 602-482-5100. Our friendly and inviting staff members are ready to assist you in getting through this experience and relieving the pain you’re having.