What is TMJ?

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder also known as TMJ is a disorder in which the hinge connecting the upper and lower jaw is not working properly. This hinge connects both the upper and lower jaw allowing it to move side to side, forward and backwards. This is an important complex joint that allows the proper chewing, biting, and other movements. Often when feeling popping; or also feelings like you have gotten stuck shows that you have TMJ. This dysfunction can lead to having pain or discomfort. The determination of this exact misalignment of hinge is often impossible to determine. However, your dentist can help by taking appropriate X-rays to determine some of the factors of TMJ disorder.  However some Common treatments are bite guards or night guards, medications, and also physical therapy. At times often wisdom teeth can affect TMJ as this can lead to being overcrowded and applying pressure on both upper and lower jaw.

Some common symptoms of TMJ disorder are:

  • Headaches and Earaches
  • Feeling of jaw being “stuck” or locked out of place
  • Pain when yawning or opening mouth to wide
  • Popping when opening mouth or chewing
  • Clicking sounds when opening and closing mouth
  • Neck problems such as tenderness
  • Having regular sore throat

Temporomandibular-Joint-Disorder-TMJ-TMD-Coral-Springs-FL-Dentist

 

If you think or have any of these problems please contact our Santa Ana Dentist Danial Kalantari at Smiles On Bristol Dentistry.contact-us/