Temporomandibular joint disorder or TMJ is where the hinge that connects your upper and lower jar is not opening properly. It is very difficult to work on as it has many functions for the jaw. It is not only responsible for opening it but also moving it backwards and forwards and from side to side. It can be a problem with your muscles, ligaments, or the bone itself.
If you think you have TMJ, call your Modesto Dentist right away so they can x-ray your jaw and examine it to make a specific diagnosis. If you suspect you have TMJ, here are some of the most common symptoms:
- Feeling like your jaw is “stuck”
- Headaches
- Pain and pressure in the ears and behind the eyes
- Pain in the jaw or soreness in the muscles of the jaw
- Misalignment of the jaw, feeling like your teeth no longer fit together
The Modesto Dental office will recommend treatment options if they think you do have TMJ. Usually they will start with simple treatments such as medications that help to soothe and relax the muscles in the jaw. Applying heat to the jaw can also help the muscles to relax and prevent pain. They may recommend a bite splint for the mouth, which helps to prevent the teeth from grinding on top of one another if the bite feels off.
Typically these basic treatments will work to relax the muscles and help the jaw to realign itself. Reducing your stress load may also help, especially if you tend to grind your teeth when you get stressed.
If the medications and relaxation therapy treatments do not work, you will need to look into jaw joint surgery. Your dentist will be able to talk to you about the process of the jaw joint surgery so you will be able to know how long it will take to heal and what is involved in the surgery.