According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, an estimated 10 million Americans suffer from TMJ disorder. Despite the high prevalence of this condition, many people don’t know about it. This is a major reason why it often goes undiagnosed and untreated,
Here are some of the most common FAQs about TMJ Disorder and their answers.
How do I know if I have TMJ disorder?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is on either side of your face. It connects your jaw to your skull and is instrumental in the movement of your jaw. TMJ disorder causes pain in one or both of these joints, mostly upon movement. Here are some common symptoms of this disorder:
- A jaw that locks upon movement and causes a clicking sound.
- Trouble with opening and closing the mouth.
- Facial pain, mostly in the lower part of the face.
- Pain in the area near the ears.
- Pain in one or both sides of the jaw.
- Audible grating sound when chewing.
- A tender jaw that hurts when it moves.
What causes TMJ disorder?
TMJ Disorder doesn’t have a singular cause. It’s different for everyone and can happen due to one factor or a combination of factors. Here are the most common causes of TMJ disorder:
- Genetics: Genetic mutation is often to blame for TMJ disorder, and it can pair with other issues to cause severe pain.
- Arthritis: Arthritis affects all joints in the body, including the TMJ.
- Jaw injury: Severe trauma to the jaw can result in TMJ.
- Teeth Grinding: Not all people who grind their teeth suffer from TMJ disorder but those who suffer from it are often habitual teeth grinders.
Does TMJ disorder go away?
TMJD is a disorder thats mostly a temporary condition that can go away with proper care. If you want it to go away and not recur, you must consult with a professional. However, if you have a chronic condition like arthritis; your dentist can help you manage this disorder.
Is my facial pain because of TMJ?
If you’re suffering from facial pain, it may or may not be because of TMJD. If the pain is located in the lower part of your face, it could be due to TMJD. You can check by listening for clicking and grating sounds, probing the area near the TMJ, and opening or closing your mouth to see if the movement is affected.
Do I need MRI for TMJD diagnosis?
An MRI is one of the most common and accurate diagnostic techniques for TMJ disorder. It’s done to check the disk in the TMJ and observe the soft tissue near the joint. It helps in pinpointing the exact area that’s affected by the disorder.
Complete TMJ Treatment at Advance Dentistry Center
Are you looking for a reliable practice that provides comprehensive TMJ treatment in Royal OakBingham Farms or Royal Oak? Advanced Dentistry Center has got you covered!
Our practice has a team of certified dentists who can accurately diagnose whether you have TMJ using the latest and high-quality diagnostic techniques. We’re skilled at identifying the root cause of TMJ in our patients and designing a proper, customized course of treatment. If needed, we also have the necessary skills and tools to perform dental surgery.
Get in touch with us today to learn all about our dental services and schedule an appointment now.