Do You Need TMJ Treatment?

by | Mar 28, 2019 | Dental Blog

young woman holding her jaw in pain

Signs to Seek Out TMJ Treatment

Face, jaw, and head pain can be a recipe for disaster. If you’re unsure what’s causing your pain, this only adds to your frustration and despair. Oftentimes, facial pain is related to the temporomandibular joint, where your upper and lower jawbones connect. This means if you’re experiencing face, jaw, or even head pain, it may be a sign of TMJ disorder.

Review the symptoms to see if you need to seek care for your possible TMJ disorder:

  • Pain or tenderness in your jaw joint
  • Neck or shoulder pain
  • Swelling or pain on the side of your face
  • Headaches and dizziness
  • Pain in or around your ear
  • Uncomfortable biting
  • Frequent toothaches
  • Hearing problems or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
  • Locked jaw
  • Clicking sound when opening and closing your mouth

Why It’s Important to See a Doctor

Living with any type of unusual pain should always encourage you to see a doctor and discover what the root cause of it is. There may be a variety of reasons for the cause of your TMJ disorder, but the only way to discover the root of your problem is by seeking professional care. Some of the most common causes are:

  • An eroded disk that’s out of place
  • Damaged cartilage from arthritis
  • An injured joint from heavy blow or whiplash
  • Chronic grinding or clenching of the teeth
  • Stress or anxiety

Benefits of Finding Relief

Typically, your dentist will be the first to recognize or diagnose your TMJ disorder. They’ll listen to and feel your jaw as it opens and closes, observe the range of motion in your jaw, and look for any areas of pain or tenderness.

If they suspect a problem, they’ll perform dental x-rays, or in more severe cases, a CT scan or MRI. Once diagnosed with TMJ disorder, your dentist will be able to provide you with effective treatments and at-home recommendations to help relieve your pain.

Medical Treatments

Different kinds of medications and professional therapy can be used to alleviate the pain caused by TMD such as:

  • Pain relievers and anti-inflammatories
  • Muscle relaxants
  • Occlusal appliances, splints, or mouthguards
  • Physical therapy
  • Surgery

Natural Remedies

If you’re having a rough day trying to deal with your jaw or facial pain, try these easy at-home remedies to help diminish any discomfort:

  • Eat softer foods or follow a liquid diet
  • Practice good posture
  • Relax by meditating or practicing yoga
  • Avoid chewing gum
  • Try to keep your teeth slightly apart
  • Place moist heat or ice packs on your jaw
  • Massage your jaw and neck muscles

Live Free of Pain

If you’re frequently dealing with aching pain in your jaw, face, or head, it’s best to see a doctor and find out if you’re suffering from TMJ disorder. Our highly-experienced dentists in Flagstaff, Drs. Garrett and Abramowitz can help diagnose your condition and provide you with the necessary relief. Contact Oasis Dental Care today to learn more and find effective treatment.