TMJ, or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, is a condition where the hinge of the jaw does not work properly and it requires the services of a specialized TMJ dentist to rectify. But how does one recognize it? And how can a TMJ dentist help? TMJ is often characterized by pain or popping sounds in the jaw when attempting to open or close the mouth.
TMJ causes intense and throbbing pain in your jaw and face. This pain can occur at any time of the day, and it can prevent you from sleeping well at night. If you experience such pain often, you may want to consider visiting your dentist for an examination. Knowing what is causing you pain makes treating the condition easier and more effective.
If you experience frequent headaches that can be compared to migraines in intensity, you may be suffering from TMJ. Frequent headaches are never a good sign, but if they coincide with jaw pain, jaw stiffness or facial tenderness they may be a sign that you are suffering from more than just dehydration, the leading cause of headaches. If you notice you have a pattern of migraine-like headaches, consider seeing a TMJ dentist.
Jaw muscles tell a lot about the health of the structure when they are in pain. Tenderness in the jaw area usually is caused by some kind of strain on the muscles or joints themselves. If your jaw aches when you wake up in the morning, schedule an appointment with a TMJ dentist.
Waking up with a stiff jaw once in a blue moon is not always cause for alarm. However, waking up frequently with a stiff jaw, or developing one throughout the day, is a sign that something is wrong. Not to mention, it is one of the major symptoms of TMJ. If your jaw is stiff, feels locked up or is out of place, your best course of action would be to see a TMJ dentist.
Perhaps the biggest and most telling sign that you may have a TMJ-related issue is if you have trouble opening your jaw without hearing sounds. If you experience discomfort and hear a popping, clicking or even cracking sound upon opening your jaw, it is possible you are suffering from TMJ. This is especially the case if the patient is experiencing pain. If this pain occurs often, call a TMJ dentist as soon as possible and set up an appointment.
Jaw discomfort is never something that is easy to live with. It can make sleeping difficult, hit you in the morning, or make your afternoons feel even longer than they already do. If you experience facial pain, tenderness in your jaw, headaches, jaw stiffness, or difficulty opening your jaw, contact Gables Exceptional Dentistry to find out more about what a TMJ dentist can do for you. Call our Coral Gables dental office at (305) 203-4132.
A TMJ dentist is a dentist who is trained in general dentistry but continues their education with a focus on the temporomandibular joint and its disorders. They spend their days treating general dental conditions, however, much of their efforts are spent diagnosing, managing, and treating TMJ disorders.TMJ dentists are great resources to utilize when suffering…
TMJ is a painful disorder that is caused by swelling and irritation of the joints that allow the jaw to function, which can be caused by natural factors over time or a sudden impact such as whiplash. A minor misalignment in the jaw can lead to discomfort that not only persists in the jaw but…
The condition bruxism is commonly seen in dental patients. Bruxism is the medical term that is used to describe grinding and clenching of the teeth together. It is most often done while a patient is sleeping, making it more difficult to control. The root cause of teeth grinding is still not fully understood but is…
TMJ disorder has several causes that determine which treatment is best. Schedule an appointment to find the right one.TMJ stands for the Temporomandibular Joint and is more than just a mouthful. This joint is responsible for helping the jaw to move, open, and close without issue. If you experience any challenges with your jaw, then…
Dental bonding is a perfect idea to try if you require minor smile enhancements. Dental bonding is a fast, simple, and affordable way to enhance the appearance of your teeth while still protecting them from more damage if they have a chip or crack. This article talks about what makes dental bonding a great choice…
Worried about dental emergencies and what you should do if one occurs? Continue reading to find out more. Dental emergencies can be frightening, especially when they involve a broken tooth. However, it is important to know that modern-day dentistry has allowed for the evolution of a lot of different treatments to address and treat dental…
