The problem with TMJ disorder is that it can mean something different for everyone. In some cases, one or both of your jaw’s joints may be excessively inflamed or damaged. In others, the joints can lose their full range of motion due to traumatic injury or rheumatoid arthritis. In most common cases, it results from a bite imbalance that forces the joints to work overtime just to keep your jaw and teeth even. This excessive strain can damage one or both joints or irritate them enough to disrupt their proper function.
While some symptoms, like aches and pains in your jaw muscles, can be obvious, TMJ disorders can also cause various other forms of discomfort, as well. When one or both of the joints become damaged, they can aggravate the large nerve that rests near them, known as your trigeminal nerve. Together, the three branches of this nerve group innervate most of your head, neck, and face. When any part of the group is disturbed, the discomfort can radiate throughout the other branches, leading to increasingly worse headaches and migraines. Other symptoms may also include:
If you suffer from chronic headaches and migraines, then ask us if TMJ disorder may be the cause behind them. For more information, 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.
TMJ treatment can lead to painful aches in the jaw, face, and head, and even…
Now that we’re in August, for many kids school will be starting in the next…
When you haven’t seen the dentist in years, this could allow minor issues to grow…
When you have an issue too complex to be treated with a filling or crown,…
Dental implants can be used to address minor or severe tooth loss, restoring function, health,…
When you lose a tooth, or possibly several of your natural teeth, you not only…