Your Hampton Invisalign® Provider
What Causes Jaw Pain?
The TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) is the hinge that connects your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull (just beneath your temple). This allows you to move your jaw up and down and side to side when talking and eating.
TMJ Disorder (or TMD) occurs when there are issues with your jaw and face muscles that cause jaw pain, headaches and ringing in the ears. Left untreated, it can lead to chronic pain, bone loss, and loose teeth.
Misalignment of the teeth and/or jaw is the usual cause of this disorder. Other factors that may contribute to the disorder include skull shape, genetics, airway issues and injury to the jaw.
TMJ Disorder Treatment
At Hampton Dental Clinic, our dentists can test for, diagnose and provide a treatment plan for TMJ Disorder.
Treatment may include wearing a mouth guard for sleep to prevent clenching.
Your dentist may also recommend relaxation techniques, physical therapy, or a TENS machine to encourage the face and jaw muscles to relax.
Orthodontic treatment may be required in some cases to correct underlying misalignment issues. Our Hampton dentists will work with you to create a treatment plan based on your specific needs.
TMJ Disorder Symptoms
TMJ Disorder can cause a host of painful symptoms because your compromised jaw muscles have to work extra hard to do their job. Common symptoms include:
- Headaches and migraines
- Teeth grinding (usually during sleep)
- Jaw, face and/or neck pain
- Ringing in the ears
- Dizziness
If you are experiencing any symptoms of TMJ Disorder, contact us for a proper diagnosis from a dentist.