Facial pain and popping sound when moving your jaws may indicate you have a temporomandibular joint disorder. According to research, the condition occurs more in women than men. The TMJ disorder causes severe jaw pain affecting your jaw and teeth function, including chewing. Different factors may cause TMJ disorder; you need a thorough diagnosis to determine the exact cause and get customized treatments. The TMJ Leander specialist, Ryan Pendleton, DDS, offers treatments to help with your pain relief. This article will help you understand more about TMJ disorder.
What are TMJ disorders?
Usually, you have temporomandibular joints on each side of your face that enhance jaw movements, such as speaking, biting, yawning, and clenching. The TMJ disorder is a condition that causes jaw pain, affecting its function. It affects the jaw functions, interfering with your daily life.
The TMJ joints join the upper jaw with the lower jaw.
The TMJ disorders may occur due to various reasons making it hard to determine the exact cause.
Some common causes of TMJ disorders include arthritis, genetics, and jaw injury. You may also develop TMJ disorder if you have teeth clenching or grinding habits. You may need to have a thorough diagnosis to find the exact source of your pain and treatments.
TMJ symptoms may go on their own or with at-home treatments, but sometimes other treatments may apply.
During your consultation, your provider at Pendleton Orthodontics examines your jaws and monitors their range of motion. They also conduct imaging tests, including CT scans and X-rays to have a closer view of your joint and check for signs of damage.
What are the common symptoms of TMJ disorder?
TMJ disorders have unique symptoms which may appear and go or stay. The symptoms may also get worse with time. They cause damage to the joints, which may cause the following symptoms.
- Jaw locking
- Pain near the ears or temples
- Jaw stiffness
- Neck or shoulder pain
- Tooth alignment changes
- A grating sensation when you open or close your mouth
- Clicking or popping sound when you open or close your mouth
If your TMJ disorder causes persistent pain or limited jaw movement, it is advisable to seek medical treatments from Pendleton Orthodontics.
What are the treatment options for TMJ disorder?
Your jaw is in use almost every time for various functions. Having jaw pain and being unable to move your jaw may be a problem in your daily life.
The Pendleton Orthodontics team offers various treatments to help relieve pain, including:
- Joint injections
- Physical therapy
- Oral splints
- Medications to relieve pain and stiffness
- Education on harmful habits, such as clenching and teeth grinding
Your provider usually uses nonsurgical treatments to help you find relief. However, when you can’t get better, they use surgery to fix the underlying problem and enhance lasting relief.
The joint surgery allows the removal of the debris or repair of the joint if it has severe damage. But, surgery only occurs as the last option.
If you have jaw pain or have a problem moving your jaws, please contact Pendleton Orthodontics to schedule your appointment.
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