TMJ Treatment An Overview
Jaw pain? Headaches? Tired jaws or difficulty chewing?
These are all common signs of an underlying bite disorder or TMJ related disorder. When the temporomandibular joint or “TMJ” is damaged, stressed or dysfunctional it can lead to problems with the fit and function of the bite. Patients often experience discomfort that can impact their daily quality of life. Drs. Carole and Robin Thoman provide comprehensive care for your dental health needs and can work with you to address a TMJ related disorder with the goal of relieving symptoms and restoring oral health.
Common Signs of a TMJ Disorder
There is a wide range of common symptoms for a TMJ disorder, from minor to more complex problems.
- Frequent headaches
- Difficulty chewing properly
- Ear pain, ringing in the ears
- Popping, clicking jaw sounds
- Neck, shoulder pain
- Signs of teeth grinding: damaged and/or worn teeth
The key to lasting and effective treatment for a TMJ related disorder is to identify the underlying cause of symptoms. There is a range of causes that can lead to problems with the function of the bite from malocclusion to trauma. If there is tooth damage from teeth grinding, this should also be addressed as part of your overall treatment plan.