TMJ Treatment Temecula CA
The temporomandibular joint or (TMJ) is the joint that connects the jawbone to the skull. This joint is located next to your ear and when this joint is inflamed, patients report feeling pain in their ear.
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a collection of conditions affecting the joint, and is characterized by inflammation or misalignment of the TMJ. When you come to us with a dental condition involving jaw pain, we will do a full exam of your jawbone, including the TMJ joints.
Among the common symptoms of TMD is tenderness in the jaw or swelling. If we spot these symptoms, we will ask you to undergo various tests, including x-rays, to reveal whether or not you are suffering from TMD. Our Clear Aligners, our orthodontist has the experience and necessary tools to detect TMJ/TMD in its very early stages.
Causes of TMD
TMJ disorders can occur in patients of any age. If you feel pain in your jawbone, ear, or areas around your ear, you should come to us for an evaluation to determine what the underlying cause is. Some of the causes of TMJ are apparent in all people. For instance, the joint might be dislocated or injured due to an accident or a blow to the face. Any impact on a patient's face might consequently lead to TMJ complications.
The other cause of TMJ disorders is when the joint cartilage is damaged by various forms of arthritis. If you suffer from arthritis, you are more likely to suffer from TMJ disorders.
Among older adults, TMJ disorders may occur due to the disk eroding and shifting out of its proper alignment. Some individuals are generally at a higher risk of suffering TMD than others.
Risk Factors
Those who are at a higher risk of TMJ disorders may have other underlying issues or diseases which increase their chances of contracting it. It may be a dental issue or perhaps something more complex.
Of all patients with TMD issues, the biggest contributing factor is if the patient had arthritis. If you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, you should definitely be cognizant of TMD. Be sure to be careful when chewing food. If you experience pain while chewing, do not ignore it. Please contact us in Temecula so we can ascertain whether the pain is related to TMD.
Arthritis is not the only risk factor. We also monitor individuals who have suffered any type of jaw injury. In most cases, minor jaw injuries left untreated eventually develop into TMD. An individual who has also endured long-term teeth grinding or jaw clenching might suffer from TMD, as well.
Schedule with Your Temecula Orthodontist Today!
If you suffer from TMJ pain, or you experience symptoms similar to those mentioned above, let our experts have a look. We offer professional services, which includes a full examination of your jawbone with the best tools that dental technology has to offer. Do not hesitate to contact us at Roncone Orthodontics by calling (951) 595-8291 for more information or to book your next appointment.
FAQs
What is TMJ treatment?
TMJ treatment focuses on relieving discomfort and improving function in the jaw joints and surrounding muscles. At Roncone Orthodontics, our dental team may evaluate your bite, jaw movement, and symptoms to recommend treatment options that help reduce strain on the temporomandibular joints.
What are common signs of a TMJ disorder?
Common signs of a TMJ disorder may include jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, difficulty opening or closing the mouth, headaches, facial discomfort, ear-related pressure, or soreness when chewing. Our dentists can examine your jaw and bite to help determine the cause of your symptoms.
Can orthodontic treatment help with TMJ symptoms?
Orthodontic treatment may help some patients when TMJ symptoms are related to bite alignment or uneven pressure on the jaw joints. Our dental team will evaluate your bite and jaw function to determine whether orthodontic care, a dental appliance, or another treatment approach may be appropriate.
What causes TMJ pain?
TMJ pain can be caused by several factors, including jaw clenching, teeth grinding, bite imbalance, injury, arthritis, or stress-related muscle tension. Because symptoms can have different causes, our dentists will perform an evaluation before recommending a personalized treatment plan.
When should I schedule an appointment for TMJ symptoms?
You should schedule an appointment if jaw pain, clicking, headaches, chewing discomfort, or limited jaw movement continues or worsens. Visiting Roncone Orthodontics allows our dental team to assess your symptoms and recommend care to help protect your jaw health and comfort.
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