Do You Have These Symptoms of TMJ?

The joints that control your jaw can run into problems, causing symptoms from headaches to problems as you eat. Here, we look at the signs you might have a problem with those temporomandibular joints.

When you think about joint pain, your mind probably goes to larger joints in your body, like your knees or hips. But those aren’t the only places you can run into problems. Even the small joints in your face can have issues.

Specifically, your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) can get damaged or stop functioning properly. Because these joints control your jaw, this can lead to a wide range of symptoms.

Fortunately, when you experience those symptoms, we can help you find relief. As TMJ specialists, our team offers several options to correct and address the joint pain. If you’re experiencing TMJ symptoms, don’t hesitate to visit us at LA Dentists Group in Glendale, California.

But what should you be looking for? Here’s a quick roundup of TMJ symptoms.

The issues TMJ can cause

When you have TMJ — also called temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) — it means one or both of these joints aren’t working as they should. Because these joints are located by the front of each ear and connect to your jawbone, they can cause pain up and down your face. TMJ can even radiate down into your neck.

Some of the common symptoms of TMD include:

Headaches
Jaw pain or tenderness
Difficulty or pain when you chew
Aching pain near your ear
Locking of the joint, making it hard to open your mouth wide
A clicking or grinding sensation when you open your mouth
Noises you can hear, like popping or clicking, as you move your jaw
Ringing in your ears
Neck pain

If any of these symptoms sound familiar, it’s time to talk to our team. Here at LA Dentists Group, we start by diagnosing your TMJ. Once we confirm that one or both of your temporomandibular joints is having an issue, we work with you to find the most effective treatment.

Easing your TMJ symptoms

We offer several different options for helping your joints and soothing your symptoms. We tailor your care to you.

Some people get TMJ because they grind their teeth while they sleep, stressing the joints. We help these patients find relief by fitting them with an oral appliance they wear while they sleep, preventing the grinding and protecting the joints.

Other people have TMJ because their bite is misaligned, resulting in strain on the joints. With options like Invisalign® or braces, we can correct your bite and, in turn, correct the TMD.

In other cases, overexertion in the muscles that move your temporomandibular joint is to blame. With Botox® injections, we can temporarily freeze the muscle, allowing it to relax and release tension in the joint.

Long story short, if you have TMJ symptoms, we can help you find relief. To get started, call our office or book your appointment online today.