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If you suffer from constant and severe pain in your head, face, or neck, it may be due to a disorder in the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) of your jaw. The temporomandibular joint is a hinge joint that allows the opening and closure of the lower jaw. 

Most of our oral functions involve the TMJ, and its improper functioning can cause pain or trouble while talking, yawning, biting, and chewing. In addition, when trauma or strain causes inflammation to the TMJ, it can lead to pain and trouble while moving the lower jaw. This results in a condition called temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). 

Symptoms of TMJ

Here are the major symptoms of TMJ:

• Pain in the jaw joint, chewing muscles, and nearby areas
• Painful clicking in the jaw joint while opening or closing the mouth
• Radiating pain in the neck and shoulders
• Difficulty sleeping
• Jaw dysfunction
• Stiffness in the jaw muscles resulting in limited jaw movement
• Migraine and chronic headaches.
• Irregular bite.
• Dizziness and vision problems.
• Enhanced tooth sensitivity 

TMJ Treatment

Our experienced TMJ specialist knows how interfering these symptoms can be in your daily life. With their comprehensive education and expertise in their field, they treat the patients with the most advanced technology and procedures.

With the TMJ treatments, we aim to restore the connection between the bite and the surrounding blood vessels, nerves, and muscles, thus easing troubling signs and pain.

The treatment for TMJ disorders depends on the cause of the condition as well as its symptoms: 

• Pain Relievers: We may prescribe a painkiller such as ibuprofen to relieve TMJ pain as the initial step.
• Muscle Relaxants: Our dentists prescribe muscle relaxants to help get relief from TMJ disorders created by muscle spasms. 
• Oral Splints or Mouth Guards: Oral splints or mouth guards treat bruxism, the condition that leads to the grinding of teeth while sleeping. An improper bite can cause TMJ pain, and this problem can be addressed using oral devices. 
• Physical Therapy: Our dentists may suggest some exercises to stretch and strengthen the jaw muscles and maintain a good posture. Besides, physical therapy procedures such as moist hot and cold compresses and ultrasound can help to relieve the pain. 
• Injections: Corticosteroid injections or botulinum toxin type A (Botox) administered into the joint may ease the discomfort linked with TMJ disorders.
• Counseling: Our counseling sessions can help you deal with harmful habits like biting fingernails or grinding of teeth that may worsen the TMJ pain. 

TMJ Disorder Diagnosis 

It is crucial to treat the condition in its initial stage to prevent it from hindering the jaw's movement. To diagnose TMJ, your doctor will note your symptoms and will check the problem areas - your neck, head, and face. They may also recommend X - rays or TMJ arthroscopy if needed to identify TMJ disorders.

Want to know more about the treatments for TMJ disorders? Book your consultation with us today.