If you experience discomfort, pain, or a popping noise when you open or close your mouth, you may be experiencing some of the telltale signs of TMJ. Your jaw uses a series of muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments to hold and move your mouth. If any part of this system is disrupted or becomes worn out, it can prevent your jaw from working properly and lead to a condition called TMJ disorder. Dr. James Powell of Exceptional Dentistry understands that your oral health plays a big part in your overall well-being. That’s why he uses his advanced training to provide TMJ treatment in Palmdale, California, and restore your comfort. Depending on your needs, we may recommend a TENS device to relax muscles and help in correcting the jaw position to treat TMJ/TMD problems. If you are experiencing jaw pain, we welcome you to contact our office at (661) 349-7725 and reserve your visit with our dentist.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects your lower jaw to your head. TMJ disorders, also known as TMD, occur when this jaw joint becomes stressed, injured or misaligned. TMJ disorders may develop for a variety of reasons, such as:
- Stress
- Bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching)
- Misalignment of the teeth or jaw
- Arthritis in the temporomandibular joint
- Trauma and injury to the head, neck or jaw
- Poor posture
TMJ disorders can have a significant impact on your oral health and your overall quality of life. Some of the ways in which a TMJ disorder may affect you include:
- Frequent jaw pain or facial pain
- Grinding, clicking or popping sounds when you open and close your mouth
- The inability to open your mouth wide when speaking, yawning or chewing
- A locked jaw
- Pain when chewing and biting
- Pain in the neck, shoulders or ears
- Frequent headaches or migraines
- Pain or pressure behind the eyes
- Tenderness in the jaw muscles
- Sudden changes in the way your upper and lower teeth fit together
When you visit Exceptional Dentistry, our dentist will examine your jaw to determine the cause of your TMJ disorder and create a customized treatment plan. Your treatment will depend upon your individual needs and the severity of your TMJ disorder. Your treatment plan may include jaw and facial relaxation exercises, lifestyle changes, restorative dental procedures, occlusal guards or jaw surgery.
If you have questions about TMJ disorders and treatments, we invite you to contact our office today to schedule your consultation with Dr. James Powell. Take the first step to alleviating your discomfort and regaining a healthy jaw and lifestyle!
