Signs & Symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction

older woman holding her jaw in pain from tmj dysfunction

Do you experience regular popping and clicking in your jaw? What about tenderness or jaw pain? These may be signs that you are experiencing temporomandibular joint disorder, also known as TMD. While TMD symptoms occasionally disappear on their own, other times they do require treatment. The following information will help you learn about TMJ dysfunction and how our team can provide you with relief!

What Is TMJ Disorder?

Your temporomandibular joint is what allows you to move your jaw up, down, in, out, and from side to side. A properly functioning TMJ allows you to eat, talk, and perform other daily functions normally. Dysfunction of the TMJ can negatively impact your ability to speak and chew, and typically causes pain and discomfort around your jaw.

Signs & Symptoms of TMD

While jaw pain, popping, and clicking are some of the hallmarks of TMJ disorder, other indicators can include headaches, earaches, and facial pain. The severity can range from minor discomfort to pain that disrupts your life. If you experience any of these signs and symptoms, our team can help.

Treatment for TMJ Disorder

Our first step in properly treating your TMJ dysfunction is helping to determine its cause, whether it is from bruxism (chronic teeth grinding), arthritis, a bite misalignment, a recent head injury, or something else. Then, we will begin looking at treatment options. Often, a conservative treatment like orthodontics or an oral appliance can help ease your discomfort. In some severe cases, surgery is required to treat TMJ dysfunction.

Contact Us Today!

Don’t waste another day living with jaw pain that negatively impacts your life. To ask our team any questions or to schedule your next appointment, contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.

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Reen Chung, DDS

Reen Chung, DDS