Your Syracuse Family Dentist is here to help you receive Temporomandibular Joint treatment. TMJ causes severe pain and discomfort temporarily, but can last many years. It is best to get it treated as soon as you can. Are you wondering what TMJ is? Or concerned that you might have it? The following information and symptoms can help you determine before coming into the office.
What is TMJ?
- The Temporomandibular Joint is the hinge that connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the temporal bone of the skull.
- The joint is flexible allowing the joint to function like no other in our body.
- These joint muscles are what make it possible to open and close your mouth.
- They also control moving your jaw forward and side-to-side.
What are Symptoms of TMJ?
- Severe pain, tenderness and discomfort in your face, jaw, joint area, neck and shoulders, and in or around the ear when you check, speak, or open your mouth wide.
- Problems opening your mouth completely, or more than half-way.
- Your jaw getting stuck or locked in a certain position.
- Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in your jaw or joint when moving your mouth.
- Having fatigue in your face.
- Painful eating or chewing.
- Swelling on one side of your face.
- Toothaches, headaches or neck aches.
- Neck aches, dizziness, earaches, hearing problems.
- Upper shoulder pain or ringing in the ears.
What are some causes of TMJ?
It is hard to determine what exactly causes TMJ, but there are a few problems that could lead to symptoms of TMJ such as:
- Injury to your jaw or the muscles in your head or neck.
- Whiplash
- Arthritis in the joint
- Stress that leads to tensing your jaw or face.
- Grinding your teeth.
- Clenching your teeth.
- Frequent movement in the ball of the joint
What are home treatment ideas for TMJ?
- Try to eat softer foods as much as possible to avoid hard chewing.
- Use a hot pack or an ice pack on your face for about 10 minutes. Using a cold pack followed by a hot pack for five minutes is a good idea. Be sure to do this at least 2 times per day to help treatment.
- Do not grid your teeth or put unnecessary pressure on them.
- Do not rest your chin on your hand or hold your phone between your face and your shoulder.
- Take doctor prescribed, over-the-counter medicine.
Why to go to YSFD
Here at Your Syracuse Family Dentist, Dr. DiMento will conduct a careful patient history along with a physical exam to determine the cause of your symptoms and the best available treatment. If you are diagnosed with Temporomandibular Joint problems, you will receive the best treatment from our dentists.
If you have concern that you may have TMJ or any of these symptoms, contact us today. If you have other dental issues or need a primary care dentist for you and your family, join us at Your Syracuse Family Dentist!
