TMJ Disorder Treatment for Norwalk, Westport, & Stamford, CT
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders can refer to a large range of problems associated with the temporomandibular joint or “TM” joint and the system of muscles, ligaments, and bones that work together to allow you to make the movements necessary to comfortably chew and speak. If you have had symptoms such as pain, or a “clicking” sound in your jaw, you may have a TMJ disorder.
Left untreated, TMJ disorders can affect how your teeth align which can cause tooth pain and sensitivity as well as facial muscle pain including headaches, earaches, and other ailments. Since some types of TMJ problems can lead to more serious complications and have a long-term impact on your oral health, early detection and treatment is important.
While no singular treatment can resolve TMJ disorders completely, those experiencing symptoms will be glad to know that today, TMJ problems are more easily detected than they were in the past allowing your oral health care professional to treat them more effectively.
What Are the Symptoms of TMJ?
TMJ disorders can develop for many reasons. Some may include clenching or grinding your teeth, tightening your jaw muscles, and stressing your TM joint. In other instances, they can also be attributed to a jaw injury or disease. Whatever the underlying reason, symptoms of TMJ disorders may include a misaligned bite, tooth and/or jaw pain, a clicking or grating noise when you open your mouth, and/or trouble opening your mouth wide. Below are some questions to ask yourself that can help determine the severity of your TMJ issue:
- Are you aware of grinding or clenching your teeth?
- Do you wake up with sore, stiff muscles around your jaws?
- Do you have frequent headaches or neck aches?
- Does the pain get worse when you clench your teeth?
- Does stress make your clenching and pain worse?
- Does your jaw click, pop, grate, catch, or lock when you open your mouth?
- Is it difficult or painful to open your mouth, eat or yawn?
- Have you ever injured your neck, head or jaws?
- Have you had problems (such as arthritis) with other joints?
- Do you have teeth that no longer touch when you bite?
- Do your teeth meet differently from time to time?
- Is it hard to use your front teeth to bite or tear food?
- Are your teeth sensitive, loose, broken or worn?
The more times you answered “yes” to the above questions, the more likely it is that you have a TMJ disorder. It’s important that you make an appointment with your dentist and let them know which symptoms you are experiencing and how severe they are. Discussing the symptoms of your TMJ disorder will give both you and your dentist a better understanding of what treatment plan you should consider when moving forward.
Let Our Oral Surgeon Help You Manage Your TMJ
While typically your dentist or orthodontist can help alleviate your symptoms through the use of an oral appliance, pain relief medications, or changes to your routine, in some cases they may refer you to an oral surgeon for further treatment.
Serving residents throughout the Norwalk area including Westport and Stamford, CT, our dedicated team of oral surgeons will confirm the diagnosis of a TMJ disorder and can provide you with treatment options tailored to your specific case. We’ll recommend the most conservative therapy options to improve the harmony and function of your jaw. It is essential to note that treatment always works best with a teamwork approach combining self-care with professional care.
For further insight on how we can benefit patients in Norwalk, CT and the surrounding areas suffering from TMJ disorders, reach out to Premier Oral Surgery today.