Symptoms of TMJ (Temporo-Mandibular Joint or the jaw joint) problems are so diverse that someone suffering from them may go undiagnosed for years.
The most frequent complaints from TMJ patients include:
- Head-aches
- Blurry vision
- Chronic facial pain
- Neck and back pain
- Unexplained toothaches
- Unexplained earaches
Other common symptoms are:
Dizziness; ringing and stuffiness in the ears, pressure in front of the ears; clicking, popping, or grinding noises in the jaw joints; jaw joint locking or stiffness; inability to open or close the mouth fully; pain coming from behind or above the eyes, pain while chewing or speaking; and tight or sore throat or difficulty swallowing.
A complete TMJ examination would include:
- A thorough medical/dental history,
- Very specific x-rays of the jaw bone and jaw joints,
- An examination of the jaw muscles,
- And other studies that might be needed in individual cases can be done in our office.
The most commonly recognized causes of TMJ disorders are various kinds of trauma. Motor vehicle accidents in which the victim is violently wrenched about or strikes the steering wheel or a car window are the single most common cause of TMJ injuries. A blow to the head in sports injuries or falls, missing teeth that are not replaced, crooked teeth or an improper bite (malocclusion), old or ill fitting dentures, poor posture, cradling a phone between the shoulder and the ear, and playing certain musical instruments are other common causes.
The specific treatment varies for different patients because the teeth, muscles, bone, and jaw joints can all be involved in differing degrees in different patients. Most cases can be managed non-surgically and conservatively with a variation of a stabilization prosthesis appliance that fits snugly on the lower teeth. These appliances are fabricated of clear acrylic resin similar to the material used for lenses in eyeglasses and must be worn 24 hours a day, especially while eating.
Once the symptoms are alleviated, and the joint and muscle pain managed, we can prescribe the second phase of treatment such as crown and bridge treatment, orthodontics, or various kinds of overlay bite appliances to maintain a comfortable jaw position. It is often necessary to wear night time appliances to help prevent pressure on the jaws while sleeping.
LEARN MORE
Call Windy City Smiles today at 773.588.SMILE (7645) or email us to schedule your appointment and learn more about TMJ.
