There are several reasons why a patient might deal with jaw and facial pain. This includes impacted wisdom teeth, severe headaches, tooth decay, or sinus infections. But for millions of people in the United States, their jaw and facial pain is caused by TMJ dysfunction or chronic TMJ issues known as TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder). Our La Mesa, California area team at Summit Dental of La Mesa is here to help patients obtain a definitive diagnosis of their condition and speak to patients about the treatment options available.
What causes TMJ facial pain?
The TMJ is the temporomandibular joint, which hinges the upper and lower jaw together. This jaw joint can malfunction and cause patients to experience problems such as:
- Clicking and popping when opening and closing the mouth
- Lockjaw in the open or closed positions
- Pain radiating from the ears down through the neck and shoulders
- Chronic headaches and migraines
- Improperly aligned bite
How can I find TMJ pain relief?
When patients have been diagnosed with TMJ or TMD, they need to work with a dentist who understands the complexities of this condition. Dr. Richard Evans of Summit Dental of La Mesa fully understands how this condition can affect one’s life. With a proper diagnosis, the team can speak to patients about pain relief options, including occlusal adjustments, orthodontic work, routine exercises, and specialized mouthpieces that can realign the jaw and reduce tension. During a consultation visit, our team will assess the patient and then make recommendations based on the severity of the condition and how much it impacts one’s daily activities.
Call the team at Summit Dental of La Mesa to request an appointment
Dr. Richard Evans of La Mesa, California, understands how jaw and facial pain can impact your daily quality of life. If you are struggling with discomfort and want to obtain a proper diagnosis and discuss possible treatment options, contact our facility today at (619) 494-2492 to learn more. Our practice is located at 8530 La Mesa Blvd., Ste. 204, and accepts new patients.
TMJ FAQs
What is TMJ?
TMJ or the TemporoMandibular Joint acts as the hinge connecting the jaw to the temporal bones of the skull. It also refers to TMD (TemporoMandibular joint Disorder).
What are the symptoms of TMD?
There are many symptoms associated with TMJ and TMD; some of these are pain or tenderness in the face, neck, or shoulders; locked jaws; difficulty in opening the mouth wide and when chewing; headaches; popping sounds in the jaw joint, dizziness, and facial swelling.
What causes TMJ disorders?
Among the multitude of reasons for TMJ/TMD are bruxism (teeth clenching), arthritis, head trauma, bad posture, poor genetics, and gum chewing.
Do TMJ/TMD issues require surgery?
Surgery is generally the last resort for TMJ/TMD issues. There are many other conservative, non-surgical options that aim to alleviate pain, reduce the pressure on the TMJ, and promote regular activity. These include occlusal adjustments, routine exercises, orthodontic work, and specialized mouthpieces that can realign the jaw and reduce tension.
Is it younger children or adolescents that are most affected by TMJ issues?
TMJ disorders are more common in adolescents than in younger children. These conditions may often affect a young person’s ability to take part in school and extracurricular activities. Most children with these issues tend to get bullied and ridiculed by their peers. Thus, greater awareness is necessary for such patients to live normal lives.
What is TMJ/TMD?
Our providers at Summit Dental of La Mesa describe TMJ/TMD as a condition that affects the temporomandibular joint, which is the specific joint that connects the jawbone to the skull. It is often referred to by its acronym, TMJ. This joint allows you to open and close your mouth, chew, talk, and yawn. TMD stands for Temporomandibular Disorder and refers to any issues or pain related to this joint.
What are the symptoms of TMJ/TMD?
Richard Evans describes the most common symptoms of TMJ/TMD as jaw pain, facial discomfort, problems with opening or closing the mouth, clicking or popping when you move your jaw, headaches, earaches, neck pain, and tiredness or soreness.
What causes TMJ/TMD?
While there isn’t a clear cause for TMJ/TMD, several different factors can contribute to it. These include genetics, arthritis, jaw injury or trauma, teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism), misaligned teeth or bite, and stress.
How is TMJ/TMD diagnosed?
Dr. Richard Evans and his team in La Mesa, California, explain that diagnosing TMJ/TMD typically involves a physical examination of your jaw joint and surrounding muscles. He might also request imaging tests such as x-rays or an MRI to get a better look at the joint’s structure and any possible damage.
What are some of the treatment options for TMJ/TMD?
When you receive a diagnosis of TMD, it is time to talk to our team at Summit Dental of La Mesa about effective treatment options. Treatment for TMJ/TMD varies depending on the severity of the condition. Mild cases may only require lifestyle changes, including avoiding hard or chewy foods, practicing relaxation and calming techniques to reduce stress, and using over-the-counter pain relievers. Severe cases might even require a combination of treatments, including physical therapy, mouthguards or splints to prevent teeth grinding, and, in severe cases, surgery.
Is TMJ/TMD preventable?
While not all cases of TMJ/TMD can be prevented, some steps can help decrease your risk of developing it. These include maintaining good posture, avoiding chewing gum or other habits that strain the jaw joint, practicing stress management techniques that reduce stress, and seeking treatment for any underlying dental issues before they worsen.
How can I learn more about TMJ/TMD?
At Summit Dental of La Mesa, we assist patients in the area of La Mesa, California, with a wide range of dental concerns, including the diagnosis and treatment of TMJ/TMD. Call (619) 494-2492 to request an upcoming visit to our office at 8530 La Mesa Boulevard, Suite #204.
