15 Aug TMJ 101: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments
Your overall physical and mental health is directly related to the well-being of your mouth. Any condition that creates pain and discomfort in the mouth, like temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) can be life-changing and affect your personal, professional, and social life—as well as your overall health. While this disorder often goes undiagnosed, estimations by the National Institute of Health suggest that up to 10 million Americans might suffer from TMJ conditions.
At Koch Aesthetic Dentistry, we understand the impact that this condition can have on your well-being. In this blog, we will discuss the signs, symptoms, and treatments for TMJ, so that you find the relief you deserve.
What Is TMJ?
TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint—or, simply, the jaw joint. This joint plays a vital role in connecting the skull with the lower jaw, and it is responsible for a wide range of mouth functions, including talking, chewing, and smiling. When the joint falls out of alignment, you might develop what is called TMJ disorder, or an improper bite that causes your teeth to meet incorrectly. This condition can be difficult to diagnose and can arise due to several risk factors, including stress, jaw trauma, joint dislocation, and teeth grinding (bruxism).
TMJ Disorder Symptoms
Some common symptoms of TMJ disorder include:
- Pain, sensitivity, tenderness, and discomfort around the jaw or ears
- Noises coming from the jaw when chewing or moving your mouth
- A misaligned bite
- Reduced mouth mobility
Because of the jaw misalignment, the muscles of the face, neck, and shoulder might be required to work harder than normal. In turn, you might also experience poor posture, neck ache, migraine and headaches, and muscle tenderness or stiffness. If you suspect that you are dealing with a TMJ disorder, you should immediately speak with a specialized neuromuscular and aesthetic dentist at Koch Aesthetic Dentistry. Your dentist will deliver an accurate diagnosis of your TMJ condition through X-rays and CT scans and craft a tailored treatment plan.
TMJ Treatment
If you are wondering how to fix TMJ disorders, you are not alone. Many people endure and live with this condition their whole life! However, with proper treatment, you can permanently get rid of pain and discomfort and regain the full functionality of your mouth.
At Koch Aesthetic Dentistry, our team of cosmetic dentists specializes in delivering tailored TMJ treatments. Your dentist will craft a customized therapy based on the specific causes of your TMJ condition and related symptoms.
Generally, you can expect a combination of the following techniques:
- Physiotherapy
- Jaw massage
- Orthotic treatment
- Appliance Therapy (Orthotic)
- MJ Botox
You might also undergo dentistry treatments such as dental restoration, bridges, and orthodontics if your TMJ disorder is caused by poor teeth health or misalignment.
Find Relief with Koch Dentistry
Don’t wait to find relief from TMJ! Koch provides personalized treatment plans for patients suffering from the symptoms of TMJ Disorder, helping patients restore their quality of life
Partner With the Specialist at Koch Aesthetic Dentistry To Restore Your Jaw Health
If you suspect that you are dealing with a TMJ disorder, visiting a specialist dentist at Koch Aesthetic Dentistry is the best way to access a tailored treatment plan. Get in touch with our team of dentists today or schedule an appointment by calling 205.729.7785.