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TMJ and Myofacial Pain Treatment
These days, dentistry isn’t only about teeth and gums. Our examination also includes evaluating the muscles and joints in the jaw. These muscles must be in a comfortable, relaxed position so your teeth and joints can work properly. When they aren’t, you may experience a variety of problems, from loose or chipped teeth to severe headaches to pain in other parts of your body.
Dr. Tippit and his associates have studied neuromuscular dentistry (the science of your jaw’s muscles and joints) extensively and can treat you for its related conditions. You can learn more about neuromuscular dentistry by reading below.
I continually have severe headaches. How can it be related to my teeth?
Chronic headaches may be related to Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome or TMJ. Everyone has a normal tooth position called a bite. There is also a joint position where the ball of the joint of the lower jaw rests in the socket directly in front of the ear. On some people, the bite doesn't occur at the same place as the joint position. This discrepancy or misalignment causes tension in the muscles surrounding the Temporomandibular Joint. When the muscles become irritated or stretched, symptoms of TMJ syndrome may occur.
What are the symptoms of TMJ?
The more common symptoms of TMJ Syndrome are:
- Headaches
- Facial pain
- Neck pain
- Ear pain
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Clicking or popping in the jaw
- A feeling that your teeth don't mesh
- Tired jaws in the morning
TMJ syndrome can be easily treated in the early stages with a biomedical appliance. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, talk to one of our dentists. Undiagnosed TMJ syndrome will only become worse without proper treatment.
