Patients of our Saint Paul, MN TMJ Dentistry office who suffer with TMJ can experience a wide range of problems. Many patients believe they may have symptoms of TMJ such as pain in the face, jaw and head as well as neck aches. They may not really be aware of what exactly TMJ is and would like answers. TMJ is the acronym for Temporomandibular Joint. At some point this joint may suffer excessive stress and is properly known as TMD, or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder.
The painful symptoms are often a result of this excessive pressure on the joint. This condition can result from decay or trauma that has caused uneven surfaces on the teeth. In turn, this creates an unbalanced bite and puts abnormal amounts of stress on the TMJ.
Other symptoms of TMJ can include:
- A clicking or popping noise in the jaw. This is actually the sound of the joint wearing down and is a result of the cartilage in the joint becoming malformed.
- Soreness in the facial muscles because of the continued stress
- Ear congestion or ringing in the ears
If symptoms are caused by an improper bite, the team at our Saint Paul, MN TMJ Dentistry office can create a mouth guard that is custom-made for you. This is done with the aid of a computer and is designed to reposition the TMJ and surrounding muscle into a relaxed position. This mouth guard stops the pain and returns the mouth to a stable and comfortable position.
If you believe that you are experiencing symptoms related to TMJ, contact our office. Teeth grinding, headaches, and neck or jaw pain can all be eliminated with the proper treatment. We will arrange a free consultation to discuss your situation and explain possible options, including a custom mouth guard. Chronic TMJ pain does not have to take over your life.