At Broadway Family Dentistry our goal is to help you live pain-free with a beautiful smile. In addition to cosmetic dental services, general dental care, and more, we also address problems associated with jaw pain. A temporomandibular disorder (also known as TMJ or TMD) is a problem associated with the muscles in the face and the jaw. TMJ can be caused by problems within the jaw muscles or trauma to the area. For instance, a car crash can give you whiplash, resulting in TMJ. Let’s discuss the signs you should watch out for that indicate if you have TMJ.
TMJ: The signs
If you experience one or more of the following, you could be dealing with TMJ:
-Tenderness, pain or swelling in or around the jaw, neck, or ears
-Difficulty opening the mouth wide
-A feeling of the jaw being ‘stuck’ or ‘locked’ in the open or closed position.
-A popping, clicking, or grating sound when chewing food or yawning.
-Feeling tired in the face or having problems with chewing
-Headaches, toothaches, neck aches, dizziness, earaches, hearing issues, shoulder pain, or tinnitus
Some of the habits or issues that can lead to TMJ are grinding or clenching the teeth, arthritis of the joint, stress (which can tighten muscles in the face, or movement of the disc between the ball and socket of the joint.
How to diagnose TMJ
If you have any of the aforementioned signs or symptoms, arrange a consultation with Broadway Family Dentistry today to determine what is causing your jaw pain. During your visit, the dentist will do a physical exam of your jaw and face. They will check your bite, ability to chew, and ability to open and close your mouth. An X-ray or MRI may be necessary to properly diagnose TMJ.
Arrange your consultation
If you are suffering from jaw pain, don’t wait another minute to schedule your consultation with Broadway Family Dentistry. You can reach our office by calling us at 701-839-1299. We look forward to assisting you.
