TMJ Disorders: Signs and Treatment

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) are a range of issues that cause pain and discomfort in the jaw joints and surrounding areas. For some people, symptoms can be just mild nuisances that won’t affect their daily lives. But for others, it could be a life-altering problem that limits the way they speak and eat. Plano TX dentist Dr. John M. Hucklebridge would recommend non-surgical treatments for TMD before undergoing more invasive procedures should symptoms and pain won’t go away.

Some of the most common symptoms involving TMD are the following:

• Difficulty opening one’s mouth
• Jaws that suddenly get stuck in place
• Clicking or even popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth
• Tenderness in the jaw muscles and surrounding areas
• Pain around the jaw, near the ear, or even across the face
• Sudden pain when yawning widely
• Headaches and neck aches
Your Plano TX dentist would need to perform a thorough examination of your neck, jaws, and mouth in order to rule out other similar dental issues. He will take a look at your complete medical history and perform diagnostic tests such as X-Rays to have a better look at the problem. Once the root cause of your TMD is identified, he’ll make sure that you receive the best treatment based on your diagnosis.
Most TMD problems can be resolved through the following:
• Relaxing the jaw muscles to alleviate pain and discomfort through the use of moist heat packs or muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory medicine
• Lessening muscle tension in the jaw through helpful relaxation techniques along with stretching exercises
• Eliminating tooth grinding and clenching by using mouth guards or bite plates
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If pain is still present and other less-invasive treatments aren’t effective, then your dentist may recommend jaw joint surgery as a last option.
You don’t have to suffer a lifetime of pain because of your TMD. Have your jaw checked by Dr. John M. Hucklebridge of Plano Smile Studio by calling 972-398-2550 today.