If you’re one of the millions of Americans dealing with face and jaw pain, stiffness, and difficulty chewing associated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, the team at OneSource Dental of South Tampa in Tampa, Florida can help. They offer thorough TMJ exams that provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment solutions that fit your needs, delivered in a welcoming patient-friendly environment. Schedule a visit today by calling the office or requesting an appointment online.
TMJ Exams Q&A
What’s included in TMJ exams?
To diagnose TMJ disorder, your provider at OneSource Dental of South Tampa first reviews your symptoms and dental history. Your dentist then examines your teeth and bite alignment and evaluates your jaw motion while monitoring for clicking, popping, stiffness, and tenderness. TMJ exams include X-rays to determine the type and severity of a TMJ disorder.
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What are the symptoms of TMJ disorder?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) sits at the front of the ear and connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull’s temporal bones. The joints work as a unit, allowing you to move your jaw side to side or up and down.
TMJ disorders affect the joint’s function, causing symptoms that may occur in one or both joints, including:
Pain associated with TMJ disorders might come and go initially, range from mild to severe, and become persistent over time.
What causes TMJ disorders?
TMJ disorders occur when the joint(s) move out of alignment. Factors that may increase your risk of developing a TMJ disorder include:
Habits like excessive gum chewing or frequently eating hard foods can also contribute to TMJ pain.
How do you treat TMJ disorders?
Your OneSource Dental provider may recommend a variety of treatments for TMJ disorder, including:
Lifestyle changes
Eliminating gum chewing, including softer foods in your diet, and reducing stress to prevent jaw clenching can relieve TMJ symptoms.
Jaw exercises
Various exercises and stretches to strengthen and improve the flexibility of the muscles, tendons, and ligaments supporting the TMJ can reduce pain and prevent future problems.
Medications
Anti-inflammatory medications or joint injections can alleviate discomfort associated with TMJ.
Dental night guard
A custom-made dental night guard can realign your jaw and prevent TMJ damage associated with bruxism (teeth clenching and grinding).
Biofeedback
During biofeedback, you receive visual or auditory cues from a computer that teach you to relax your muscles and gain control over pain perception.
Orthodontic treatment
Orthodontic treatment to properly align your teeth and adjust your bite offers TMJ pain relief as it improves your smile.
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