What is TMJ?
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint pain. As a joint close to your ear, it acts as a pivot to attach your jaw bone and skull to one another. Both sides of your jaw have a joint that can give you pain. The muscles around it can also hurt. Quality TMJ treatment in Denham Springs is essential for those seeking to overcome jaw pain issues.
What Causes TMJ?
The exact causes of TMJ are difficult to establish from person to person. The pains that you go through could be from a combination of factors like genetics, injuries, and arthritis. Those who have jaw pain tend to have bruxism (grinding teeth), but many individuals who grind their teeth regularly will not have TMJ issues.
There are worries that TMJ could be the result of poorly aligned joints, cartilage damage, and repetitive impacts to the jaw.
How is TMJ Diagnosed?
A TMJ-specialization doctor will go over your symptoms with you and examine your jaw. They will prod the area to see if you respond in pain. They will also listen for odd sounds like clicking when you open and close your mouth.
Your jaw’s range of motion will also be evaluated. They could order an MRI, x-ray, or other diagnostic tests to help establish the cause of your pain. It’s imperative to those seeking resolution of their pain to get quality treatment for TMJ in Denham Springs from a doctor with a track record of success in treating this life-changing condition.
What are the Symptoms of TMJ?
The signs and symptoms of TMJ can be spotted by a doctor. These can include:
- Pain in your temporomandibular joint.
- Aching feelings in or around the ear.
- Tenderness in the jaw area.
- Generalized facial pains.
- Pain while chewing.
- Locking and clicking sounds around the sides of your ears.
Preparing for Your TMJ Appointment
When preparing for your doctor appointment for your TMJ evaluation, there are a few things that you might want to know before you go:
- Do you have a history of headaches, neck aches, and toothaches?
- When did your TMJ symptoms start?
- Have you ever had TMJ issues before?
- Did your stress levels rise rapidly?
- What medications do you take daily?
TMJ Treatments in Denham Springs
There are several treatments for resolving TMJ in Denham Springs and the surrounding areas. Anti-inflammatory medications and pain relievers prescribed by your doctor can be used to control sudden onsets of pain. Mouthguards and oral splints can prevent you from harsh teeth clenching. You can also undergo counseling to lower your stress levels to reduce tension in your head, neck, and jaw.
Surgical procedures for TMJ in Denham Springs are also possible solutions. Open-joint surgery, arthrocentesis, joint injections, and more can be used depending on your evaluation results.
If you’re sick of suffering from TMJ pain and are in or around the Denham Springs area, Fruge Orthodontics is ready to help you regain balance in your life. Reach out to our sympathetic staff today to hear about available appointment slots, so you don’t need to suffer from TMJ another day longer!