The Jaw Dysfunction You Might Not Know You Have

The problem with dental discomfort is that you can rarely find permanent relief from home. For instance, if you have a chronic toothache, then you might relieve it with an over-the-counter pain reliever or some other home remedy. Yet, the pain will likely come back because you haven’t addressed its underlying cause. The same is true for chronic jaw discomfort, including recurring pain and popping/clicking sensations when you bite and chew. However, the cause of such discomfort (typically, TMJ disorder) also comes with various other symptoms, which makes it difficult to pin down the exact source of your discomfort without help from your dentist.

What a TMJ Disorder Is

Your jaw hinges on two large joints, known as temporomandibular joints (TMJs), which are located just in front of each of your ears (at the temporal bones). TMJ disorders are a collection of different issues that can affect one or both of your TMJs, such as damage, inflammation, or misalignment of the joints. Some patients may develop arthritis in their TMJs or suffer a physical injury that can also impact your jaw’s function and comfort.

The Symptoms You Might Experience

TMJ disorders develop within your jaw joints, and therefore, their most prominent symptoms involve pain and difficulty when you open and close your jaw. However, TMJ disorders can also disturb your dominant trigeminal nerve, which innervates the rest of your head and neck, as well. This means you can also experience symptoms like persistent earaches, soreness and pain in your face, shoulders, and neck muscles, frequent headaches/migraines, and more.

How to Fix the Dysfunction

Like any dental issue, fixing TMJ disorder requires first precisely diagnosing your condition to determine exactly what must be addressed. For many patients, though, TMJ disorder can be resolved with a custom-designed oral appliance that you can wear while you sleep at night. The appliance gives your lower jaw the support it needs to rest comfortably and allow your TMJs to heal, alleviating your many different symptoms.

Ask Your Dentist if You Need TMJ Treatment

If you’re suffering from chronic jaw pain and issues with your bite function, then you may need customized TMJ treatment to fix it. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling Modern Smile in North Hollywood, CA, today at 818-763-9353. We also proudly serve patients who live in Burbank, Toluca Lake, and all surrounding communities.