Jaw Problems

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a joint that is present on both sides of the jaw and connects the lower jaw to the skull. It performs a range of movements like opening/ closing of the mouth, forward/ backward as well as side-to-side movements. All of these motions help us in our day-to-day lives in performing various activities like eating, speaking, yawning etc. Any disorder associated with this joint can adversely affect the quality of life. They not only affect the TMJ but also affect its surrounding structures like fascial muscles and teeth.

Jaw problems may appear quite similar to a variety of other conditions like ear and sinus problems; so, it becomes important to distinguish them and treat them accordingly.

Common causes of jaw problems include frequent grinding and clenching of teeth (A condition called bruxism), accidental jaw injury, arthritis of the disc in the jaw joint. There could be a relation between jaw joint and headache, neck pain, lower back pain, knee joint ankle and joint pain etc.

People having jaw problems may experience one or more of the following:

• Headache with or without pain radiating to neck and shoulders
• Malocclusion i.e.-improper alignment of the upper and lower teeth, which may cause problems in biting and improper tongue movements.
• Stiffness and pain of fascial muscles
• Clicking or popping sounds on opening/closing of the mouth
• Clicking and popping sounds in jaw joints
• Difficulty in opening mouth
• Pain in the jaw joint
• Teeth pain/sensitivity
• Deviation of jaw
• Swelling of one or both sides of the face

Several risk factors can lead people to develop jaw problems like stress, clenching teeth, in people with chronic inflammatory arthritis or jaw arthritis etc.

How are these jaw problems diagnosed?

A TMJ specialized Dentist can diagnose them through a physical examination. In some cases, imaging tests may be suggested like X-rays, CT, and MRI, depending on the severity of the issue. They help eliminate any underlying causes.

Treatments:

A TMJ specialist identifies and provide relief from these jaw problems through a variety of solutions. Medications like muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed to reduce the pain of the joint and fascial muscles.

A TMJ Specialist Dentist can further offer options to treat the causes of TMJ disorders as well as address the ill effects that are imposed by the disorder like:

1. Oral appliances– Dentists can provide personalized oral appliances like mouth guards or splints. They help to reduce heavy and unwanted biting forces of teeth. These devices are fabricated according to the patient’s set of teeth. They protect the teeth and reduce further damage. They assist in alleviating the pain of the jaw joint and its associated muscles.

2. Corrective Dental treatments: Dentists can correct the root cause of these jaw problems in certain cases. These may include tooth alignment in the form of braces or minor adjustments using tooth restorations like crowns. Surgery may be advised in cases where the patient may have severe jaw injuries.

Jaw problems can affect the quality of life. A TMJ specialized Dentist can help in identifying as well as eliminating them so that you can have a pain free and comfortable bite.

If you are someone suffering from such problems, don’t wait, go ahead, and book your visit to the dental clinic to address the problem and manage it effectively.

At Ivory Dental Clinic, we offer specialized treatments from our TMJ specialists. Our dental clinic is one of the best dental clinics in Seawoods. Contact us to know more about your TMJ condition and initiate your recovery process.