Unmasking TMJ Pain: Understanding the Symptoms and Treatment Options

TMJ disorder (TMD) affects the joints on either side of the face that connect the lower jaw to the skull. When the TMJs malfunction, the result is a disorder, which is often diagnosed and treated at a dentist’s office. 

Are you battling TMJ dysfunction in Jackson, New Jersey? Don’t live under the bondage of constant headaches and jaw pain. Instead, please schedule an appointment with Aesthetic Dental Creations for TMJ pain management. Our dentist, Dr. Balaji Srinivasan, has high-level training in neuromuscular dentistry to understand the relationship between the jaw muscles, nerves, joints, and other components of the jaw system that must work in harmony to support a healthy, pain-free smile.

TMJ disorder explained

Healthy temporomandibular joints (TMJs) help you to move your jaw sideways, up, and down when talking, smiling, eating, etc. When your TMJs are functioning optimally, you barely notice their presence.

Unfortunately, inflammation, injury, or infection can alter the healthy functioning of the TMJs, resulting in numerous unpleasant symptoms.

Some include:

• Jaw pain
• Constant headaches and migraines
• Pain in the ears, neck, and face
• Swollen face
• Clicking sounds when using your jaws
• Locked jaws
• Painful chewing

Treating TMJ disorder

Every patient is different, so consultations are vital to customize your treatment plan. During your consultation with Dr. Srinivasan, he’ll discuss any past dental injuries, infections, or inflammations. Additionally, he’ll assess your jaw joint’s movement, bite, teeth, and other oral structures to determine the root cause of your TMD.

After a careful diagnosis, the following treatment options may be recommended:

• Oral appliance therapy: If chronic tooth grinding (bruxism) is the cause of jaw pain, we’ll prescribe a customized orthotic to protect your teeth and jaw muscles from bruxism-induced pressure. Besides, a TMJ device repositions the jaw to relieve pressure on the associated muscles and nerves.
• Orthodontics: Crooked teeth and jaw misalignments are common culprits of TMJ disorder. Orthodontic treatments reposition teeth and the jaw to resolve bruxism and TMJ disorder.
• Jaw exercises: Exercising your jaw muscles make them stronger and flexible, which makes them less vulnerable to future injuries. Besides, jaw exercises reduce pressure on the jaw muscles, reducing pain.

Treatment for TMJ pain near me

Tired of living a pain-laden life because of TMJ disorder?

If you are in Jackson, NJ, and its environs, please call (732) 451-3570 to schedule an appointment with Aesthetic Dental Creations for TMJ disorder treatment.