Have you experienced jaw or facial pain? The jaw or temporomandibular (TMJ) joint can be susceptible to injury or disease, causing jaw pain and dysfunction. TMJ disorders, or TMD, may be painful and impact your quality of life. As part of our general dentistry treatments at Majestic Smile Studio, we offer TMJ and TMD treatment at our state-of-the-art dental center in Yorba Linda, CA.
TMJ disorders can occur for a wide variety of reasons. The jaw joint is very strong, but it is also under excessive stress from chewing, clenching and other strain. Repetitive stress from bruxism (teeth grinding) and other actions can damage the tendons and cause TMD. Misaligned bites or missing teeth can put stress on the jaw joint. Diseases like arthritis can also cause jaw joint damage.
Symptoms of TMD
If you have injury or damage to the jaw joint, you may experience a wide variety of localized and radiating symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms of TMJ disorders include:
- Jaw or facial pain
- Clicking, popping or grinding when opening the mouth
- Locking jaw
- Headaches
- Neck pain
- Earaches
The jaw ligament, tendons and muscles can be damaged due to stress or strain. The joint can become inflamed, making it stiff and dysfunctional. If you have symptoms of TMD, there are treatments that can provide pain relief and improve the function of the jaw joint.
Relief for TMJ Symptoms
TMJ and TMD treatment depends on what is causing the dysfunction in the jaw. In some cases, it is due to a misaligned bite or tooth problems that are putting excess stress on the joints. By fixing dental issues, this can relieve jaw pain. Treatment for bruxism can also provide relief for TMD. Wearing a nightguard can prevent teeth grinding or jaw clenching that occur at night and contribute to TMD.
If you have symptoms of TMD and want jaw pain relief, contact our team at Majestic Smile Studio. We can schedule a TMJ exam and treatment consultation. Call our clinic in the Anaheim and Yorba Linda, CA, area to book your TMD appointment.
