Many people don’t know that their dentists are well-equipped to treat jaw pain. The temporomandibular joints give the mouth its wide range of movement, and if any of its intricate parts fall out of alignment, a person may experience jaw pain, unpleasant clicking and popping, chewing difficulties, neckaches, backaches, neck aches, teeth grinding, or difficulty opening or closing their mouths. Here’s why your dentist is the best medical professional to treat your TMJ disorder.
How Do I Know if I Have TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder is relatively easy to recognize and self-diagnose. Its symptoms can be quite painful and debilitating, so talk to your dentist if you experience issues such as:
- Pain around the jaw and ears during chewing
- A sense of pressure behind the eyes or in other parts of the face
- Frequent migraines or headaches
- Swelling or tenderness of the face
- Ringing in the ears
- The jaw locking in an open or closed position.
How Can My Dentist Treat TMJ Disorders?
While it’s important to contact your dentist if you believe you have a TMJ disorder, dental professionals frequently detect this issue in their patients during routine exams and cleanings. They may confirm the problem by examining x-rays or by observing its symptoms while inspecting a patient’s mouth. Your dentist may recommend treatments such as:
- Anti-inflammatory pain relievers to restore the patient’s comfort
- Muscle relaxants or antidepressants to reduce teeth grinding
- Physical therapy to help realign the jaw
- Lifestyle changes to reduce pressure on the TMJ
- Surgical treatments to address especially severe TMJ disorders
What If I Leave My TMJ Disorder Untreated?
Treating TMJ disorder early can allow a patient to avoid much more severe discomfort due to the problem worsening over time. In many cases, people who neglect to treat their TMJ disorders develop worse pain when chewing or swallowing, which can lead to issues like indigestion and malnutrition. The dental damage caused by misalignments and teeth grinding associated with TMJ disorders can lead to severe injuries and infections, gum recession, and possibly tooth loss.
Don’t let TMJ disorder continue to cause you constant discomfort and erode your oral health. Consulting with your dentist can lead you to the best way to achieve a healthier and more comfortable smile.
About the Practice
Spillman Family Dental of Rockwall offers outstanding oral healthcare to the Rockwall community. Led by Drs. Travis Spillman and Nancy Nguyen, the staff treats each patient with exemplary courtesy and genuine compassion. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as TMJ treatments. If you suspect that you have a TMJ disorder, contact the office online or dial (972) 945-0887.