What is TMJ?
TMJ is shorthand for temporomandibular joint pain. The joint serves as a biological hinge near the ear that connects the jawbone and skull. Both sides of your jaw can radiate pain from the joint to the surrounding muscles in the area. TMJ treatment near Livonia, LA, is recommended for patients experiencing pain and discomfort around this area during everyday life.
What Causes TMJ?
The precise causes of TMJ are highly speculative and can be quite different from person to person. The pain might be triggered by a variety of issues such as arthritis, injury, or genetics. Habitual teeth grinders are likely to experience temporomandibular joint pain. Teeth grinding, medically known as bruxism, is actually common, and not all people who grind their teeth experience TMJ pain or develop the condition.
How is TMJ Diagnosed?
Your doctor will examine your mouth and review your symptom history. They will put pressure around your muscles and jawbone to gauge how you feel during and after. Any particular noises your jaw makes will be noted along with how wide you’re able to open your mouth. Sometimes additional information can be helpful, such as an x-ray or MRI, to rule out a more insidious cause. It’s critical that patients looking for TMJ treatment around Livonia, LA, choose a temporomandibular joint pain specialist with a track record for success.
What are the Symptoms of TMJ?
The symptoms and signs of TMJ are easy for professionals to identify and can include:
- Facial pain
- Locking and clicking in the jaw
- Aches around the ear
- Discomfort in your temporomandibular joint
- Tenderness around the face
- Pain when eating
Preparing for your TMJ Appointment
There are multiple treatment options for TMJ patients in Livonia and the surrounding areas to limit or remove facial pain. Anti-inflammatories and other pain medications bought over the counter can be used to address acute TMJ symptoms. Oral splints and mouthguards help to prevent clenching and excessive teeth grinding, especially at night. Counseling is also a possibility for those who are experiencing unconscious anger and aims to reduce tension in the head and neck.
Surgical procedures are additional TMJ treatments close to Livonia that are usually reserved for severe cases and are typically recommended if conservative treatment fails. The procedure might be a simple injection or a complex surgery to fix the joint’s movements. Options given to patients will always be based on a thorough TMJ testing battery.
If you’re ready to leave behind your TMJ pain and live in or around the Livonia area, the TMJ experts at Frugé Orthodontics are here to help. Regain a life with lessened or eliminated pain that allows you to sleep, eat, and live better. Reach out to our knowledgeable staff today to learn more about local TMJ treatments and to schedule an appointment.