Pain caused by TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction) can be excruciating and can cause a disruption to everyday life for those who suffer from it. If you’ve noticed a pain in your jaw that seems to have gotten worse over time, you may be wondering when you should see a dentist. Here’s more information about when to see a dentist for TMJ pain.
What is TMJ?
TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction) is a common condition in which the individual experiences the inability to correctly open and close their jaw, often accompanied by intense pain.
The temporomandibular (TMJ) joint of the jaw connects the jawbone to the skull, almost in a hinge-like fashion. The TMJ joint is responsible for the motions of chewing and talking. When the joint experiences a disfunction, it no longer allows the jaw to open and close normally.
When this happens, patients will experience the following symptoms:
- Extreme pain in jaw
- Difficultly opening and closing mouth
- Difficulty talking, chewing or yawning
- Clicking or popping in the jaw
- Stiffness and limited movement of jaw
Causes of TMJ
A clear and official cause of TMJ has yet to be identified, but below are some of the most commonly examined probable causes of the condition:
- Blunt force trauma to the mouth or jaw
- Arthritis
- The TMJ joint erodes or moves out of alignment
The causes of this condition may vary from person to person. If you have experienced any of the above scenarios and are experiencing pain or stiffness in your jaw, it’s crucial that you give your dentist a call right away.
TMJ Treatment
The treatment method that is used to combat TMJ is dependent on the severity of the case, the root cause, and the discretion of the dentist. Dr. Robert Pine of Ortho Stop created Emryl Guard, a device to help eliminate clenching and grinding to reduce TMJ symptoms and pain. Emryl Guard is a device that is 4x smaller than a Night Guard that does not allow the upper and lower teeth to touch.
When to See a Dentist
So, when should you see a dentist for your TMJ condition?
Each case of TMJ is different; what may be tolerable for one person, may not be tolerable for another. While one person’s case may be minor and may not progress for many years, another individual’s case may progress quickly and dramatically.
Overall, it is generally recommended to see a dentist for your TMJ pain if you begin experiencing pain, stiffness in the jaw and inability to open or close your mouth. It’s always best to have your dentist conduct an examination to determine what must be done for your condition.
TMJ Specialist in Orange County, CA
Here at Ortho Stop, we are proud to provide our patients with top-tier TMJ specialist care in Orange County.
If you are experiencing the symptoms of TMJ and wish to seek treatment, don’t hesitate to give us a call anytime at (949)-646-5611. When you call our office you will speak directly with Dr. Robert Pine, our TMJ specialist and creator of Emryl Guard. Dr. Pine will work with you to identify the cause of the issue and develop a treatment plan in order to restore your comfort. Call today to start eliminating your pain and reduce night time clenching and grinding by up to 70%.