Are those odd facial and jaw symptoms real, or are they just in your head? TMJ Dysfunction in Covington is a complicated and sometimes idiosyncratic physical problem of the jaw joints located under the ears. Used to open and close the mouth, the temporomandibular joint often malfunctions, causing a puzzling, but very real, array of symptoms. Drs. Moreau, Doyle and Finger of MoreSMILES Dental Spa offer solutions for TMJ issues, giving patients much needed relief.
What is TMJ Dysfunction?
The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ. is the ball and socket joint located at the angle of the jaw at the side of the head. Problems with the three-dimensional movement of the joint cause symptoms such as:
- Earaches
- Headaches
- Face, neck, back and shoulder pain
- An audible clicking noise originating from the jaw
- Uneven wear and tear of enamel due to teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Tinnitus, a buzzing or ringing sound in the ears
- Vertigo, or dizziness
- Light sensitivity
In addition, the joint can dislocate as the ball-like condyle moves forward and becomes jammed in the front of the jaw bone. This distressing condition prevents an individual from closing his or her mouth and requires an immediate visit to a primary care physician, hospital emergency room or to the dentist in Covington. At MoreSMILES Dental Spa, Dr. Moreau has advanced training in neuromuscular dentistry and so possesses the necessary skills to move the jaw downward and backward into its proper position.
Treatment of TMJ Dysfunction
Any treatment for TMJ Dysfunction requires a thorough analysis by a skilled dentist such as Dr. Moreau. He will take digital X-rays and often a specialized CT scan to discover the structure and function of the troublesome jaw joint. He studies how the mandible, or jaw bone, works in relation to the patient’s skull (this is called jaw tracking). With this information, treatment can go forward.
Treatment for TMJ Dysfunction may include:
- Muscle relaxants
- Medications to tighten lax connective tissue around the jaw joint
- Ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain
- Orthodontic correction of misaligned teeth
- Crowns to even dental bite
- TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)
- Orthodontic correction
Your dentist may prescribe a custom-made bite guard to treat TMJ Dysfunction. This occlusal guard corrects bite issues, alleviating destructive clenching and grinding.
Learn More about Your Jaw Function
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research says that about 10 million adults in the United States have some form of TMJ Dysfunction. Do you show some symptoms? If you suspect you have this oral health problem, please contact MoreSMILES Dental Spa for a consultation. You don’t have to suffer from TMJ!