You have temporomandibular joints (TMJs) on either side of the jaw, which allows it to move sideways and up and down when using your mouth. You may not even remember having these two important joints when everything works fine. However, several reasons can inflame or injure these joints, resulting in TMJ disorder that causes headaches, jaw pain, and other undesirable symptoms. Rugby Dental Arts in Charlottesville, Virginia, can analyze your symptoms to provide the best treatment option for long-lasting relief.
How to tell if you have TMJ disorder
Headaches can make your life miserable. Unfortunately, headaches can be caused by many factors, so knowing that TMJ disorder is the exact cause can be tricky. While you can only know you have TMJ pain after a proper diagnosis by a dentist, certain symptoms can hint at your condition. It’s also vital to note that TMJ disorder symptoms vary from patient to patient.
Typical symptoms of TMJ disorder include:
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Chronic headaches
- Jaw pain
- Popping sound when closing and opening your jaws
- Pain behind the ear
- Tooth Sensitivity
- Worn-down teeth
- Difficulty opening your jaws
Treatment options for TMJ pain
Although some TMJ disorder symptoms can go away independently, persistent discomfort calls for medical attention. The severity of your condition will dictate the most suitable treatment, although surgical intervention isn’t necessary for most cases.
After diagnosis, our dental team may recommend one or a combination of the following treatments:
- Oral appliance therapy to reposition your lower jaw, reducing pressure on the TMJ joint
- Jaw exercises to relieve pain and strengthen your jaw muscles
- Lifestyle changes, including reducing excessive chewing, using soft foods, and cold packs
- Orthodontics to correct malocclusion
- Anti-inflammatory drugs or antidepressants, depending on the cause of TMJ pain
Book a consultation today!
Without proper treatment, TMJ disorder can severely reduce your quality of life.
If you have constant headaches and jaw pain, please call Rugby Dental Arts at (434) 296-8034. Our team and the team will help provide the best solution for you to reclaim your healthy self.
