TMJ Treatment

TMJ Symptoms

It is important to know the symptoms and sign of a TMJ problem. They can vary greatly from patient to patient however there are several things to look for especially if they are persistent.

• Headaches, sinus pain
• Jaw and/or neck pain
• Ear pain, stuffiness or hearing loss
• Difficulty opening, closing the jaw
• Clicking or popping jaw
• Locked jaw
• Numbness or tingling in the arms or fingers
• Dizziness

What Is TMJ Disorder?

A TMJ disorder is any jaw pain that is associated with the temporomandibular joint of your jaw. This is the main joint in your jaw associated with daily functions like chewing or speaking.

When this joint becomes irritated or damaged, patients may experience a wide variety of symptoms including jaw pain, tension headaches, earaches, or facial soreness. TMJ disorders can be triggered by a variety of issues including teeth grinding, missing teeth, or misalignment.

What Are My Treatment Options?

Depending on the underlying cause of your TMJ disorder, Dr. Harrison will recommend a treatment option. If your TMJ disorder is the result of consistent jaw clenching or teeth grinding, we will suggest a custom mouthguard. This dental device will hold your jaw in a healthy resting position while you sleep.

It forms a barrier to keep your teeth from grinding together and causing damage. If your jaw pain is the result of missing or misaligned teeth, Dr. Harrison may recommend a variety of restorative dentistry solutions to replace your missing teeth or Invisalign to help readjust your bite pattern.

My Jaw Hurts When Chewing…What Should I Do?