What Is TMJ?
If you have been experiencing painful sensations in your jaw you could be suffering from TMJ syndrome or temporomandibular disorder (TMD). TMJ syndrome is a common dental disorder that can be quite uncomfortable and cause more serious health issues down the road if you neglect to go to a qualified dentist to seek treatment. Here at Hawley Lane Dental, we’re experienced in treating TMJ and have helped many patients deal with their TMJ issues in Stratford, CT.
Your temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is comprised of a connection of muscles, blood vessels, nerves, and bones, and connects your jawbone to your skull. The joint works much like a hinge and is what allows you to open and move your mouth. Because of the hard work this joint endures (just think of how much you talk in a day), it is susceptible to overexertion and that is when TMJ syndrome can set in.
What Are The Symptoms of TMJ?
Typically, a person suffering from a TMJ disorder will experience some amount of pain. But there are also times when a person may not experience pain at all so it’s important to visit your dentist for regular dental exams. Aside from mouth and jaw pain, there are a handful of other symptoms that, if experiencing, you should make an appointment with your dentist right away. Common TMJ symptoms include:
- Tenderness in your jaw, particularly while chewing or yawning
- Aching pain in and around your ear, neck, scalp, or facial area
- A ringing in your ears also known as tinnitus, or hearing loss
- A clicking sound or grating sound when you open your mouth to talk or chew
- Lockjaw, the joint actually freezes up, making it difficult to move your mouth
What Happens if TMJ is Left Untreated?
We get asked all the time if TMJ syndrome will just go away on its own. The answer is, possibly. For lighter cases of TMJ syndrome where you are experiencing a clicking or grating sound but no pain, there is the possibility that with rest and consciously trying to keep your mouth closed for an extended period of time the irritation to your TMJ joint will resolve itself. This would be the case if your TMJ issues have been caused by some sort of trauma to the joint and it just needs time to heal.
There are multiple reasons why a person can end up with TMJ syndrome. Trauma is one of them, but others include genetics, age, arthritis, or teeth grinding. Whatever the reason, most cases require TMJ treatment to help gain relief.
How Do You Fix TMJ?
Many cases of TMJ disorder can be managed with fairly simple nonsurgical treatments like a mouth guard to prevent teeth grinding. However, for severe cases, surgery could be required, and we would refer you to a TMJ specialist in Connecticut that handles this type of surgical procedure.
Contact Your Local TMJ Dentists Today!
If you live in or near Stratford, Connecticut and are dealing with the pain or discomfort of TMJ related issues book an appointment at Hawley Lane Dental so we can access your oral health concerns. We will examine your jaw pain and create a TMJ treatment plan tailored for you. You don’t need to live in pain. Book your TMJ syndrome assessment today.
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY:
“The first time with Hawley Lane Dental, and I am so impressed. The staff is super friendly and explain everything in detail to keep you in the loop during your visit. Dr. Gretzula was also very friendly and made sure to take her time and explain everything in depth during her exam. Excellent customer service along with a clean and safe environment, I would say, is a win-win.”
Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
