TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder, can be a painful affliction, but your Newport Beach dentist can help to alleviate your symptoms. You may have questions about this disorder, so reading up on it before you visit your dentist may help you to have a more in-depth conversation about your treatment.
There are many causes of TMJ, but most often it is the result of grinding your teeth at night, complications from arthritis, or a jaw injury. If you have pain around your ears, tenderness in your jaw, discomfort while eating, or a general sense of pain in the jaw region, you should talk to your dentist, especially if these problems are chronic. These disorders can cause major disruptions in your everyday life; so early intervention is the key to successful treatment.
Your dentist will ask a series of questions to try to determine the cause of your TMJ, which can also help to treat the problem. X-rays or a CT scan may also be ordered to determine the cause and severity of your TMJ disorder. Often dentists are able to offer nonsurgical treatments, such as mouth guards, physical therapy, and prescription medication. If these treatments do not help to solve the problem, be sure to follow up with your dentist. There are other, more radical courses of treatment that can be used when all nonsurgical options fail.
TMJ disorders can make it difficult to eat, talk, and sleep. If you suspect you have a TMJ problem, be sure to contact your Newport Beach dentist to resolve the problem and get your life back to normal.