Serving patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN
Pain in your jaw that seems to radiate to your head could be caused by your temporomandibular joint connecting your jaw to your skull. The temporomandibular joint, composed of multiple ligaments and moving parts, can become inflamed and create pain in your teeth, jaw, neck, and head. The debilitating pain, most common in young women and referred to as temporomandibular joint or TMJ disorder, may intensify when speaking or eating. Erwin’s experienced TMJ dentists at Tusculum Dental Care share on the blog today jaw-dropping facts about TMJ disorder and what treatments are available to help reduce your pain.
Signs and Symptoms
Each patient’s experience varies with TMJ symptoms. Still, there are common signs and symptoms that patients report to our Greeneville TMJ dentists. Below is a partial, not all-inclusive, list of symptoms of TMJ disorder that you could experience.
If you recognize any of the following signs or symptoms, contact a TMJ dentist in Greeneville for a consultation:
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Muscle spasms
- Neck or shoulder pain
- Jaw, ear, or facial pain
- Tinnitus or stuffy ears
- Jaw locking
- Chewing or biting difficulties
- Trouble opening your mouth
- Pain while chewing, yawning, or talking
- Popping, clicking, or grating sounds with jaw movement
Causes
Our Jonesborough dentists who treat TMJ disorder explain that most general practitioners may overlook the direct cause of your pain since multiple factors may contribute to your condition. However, our TMJ dentists near you in Greeneville can diagnose the cause of your pain and offer methods to help reduce its effects.
The list below illustrates potential causes for TMJ disorder:
- Arthritis
- Muscle disease
- Face or jaw trauma
- Some dental surgeries
- Dental complications, such as malocclusion
- Bruxism or stress-induced teeth grinding or jaw clenching
Treatment
The degree and causes of TMJ symptoms vary from patient to patient. Our affordable TMJ dentists in Erwin will design a customized treatment plan to relieve painful sensations depending on your consultation results. Your treatment could include various methods, from daily exercises to surgery, in some cases.
Below are some additional treatment possibilities to reduce TMJ symptoms:
- Applying heat or ice to your jaw
- Surgical repair of your damaged TMJ joint
- Execution of underlying dental treatments
- Reducing stress through relaxation activities
- Resting your jaw a few days from excessive use
- Consuming only soft foods to reduce the need to chew
- Taking anti-inflammatory or pain medications over the counter or prescribed for temporary relief
- Using a mouthguard to protect your teeth and jaw from clenching and grinding
TMJ Dentists in Greeneville, Jonesborough, and Erwin, Tennessee
Debilitating jaw pain can interfere with your daily routine and cause you to lose focus during crucial moments. Fortunately, temporomandibular joint disorder is treatable and can relieve painful sensations in your neck, jaw, head, or shoulders. If you experience any TMJ signs or symptoms, contact a qualified dental professional to help relieve your pain. If you have questions about TMJ disorder or want to schedule a consultation for affordable TMJ treatment in Greeneville, contact Tusculum Dental Care at (423) 639-7575 or book an appointment online today.