TMJ Pain Treatment

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Do you know where your Temporo-Mandibular Joint, or TMJ is? It is where your lower jaw meets your skull, directly in front of your ears on each side of your head. You move and exercise your TMJ when you eat, swallow, and talk. When we see you for a comprehensive dental examination, we check the TMJ for proper function.

It’s not unusual to experience a TMJ disorder. It’s rather common – nearly 20% of adults experience some kind of TMJ issue. If you are having problems with your jaw, see the symptoms of TMJ:

  • Your jaw clicks when you open your mouth

  • You hear a grating sound when you chew

  • You have difficulty opening or closing your mouth

  • Tender, aching or sore jaws 

  • While sleeping, you clench your jaw muscles or grind your teeth

Problems with the TMJ can arise from jaw trauma (a blow to the jaw, for example),  arthritis or joint degeneration. If you experience pain in the TMJ before or during your dental visit, please let us know. We will let you know the options available to help relieve any discomfort you experience while talking, chewing, or when you wake up.  

If your dentist thinks it’s best for you to see a TMJ specialist, they will organize the referral for you.

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