What is TMJ?
A temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ, is the result of a jaw joint problem or a bite that is no longer properly aligned. A misaligned bite causes TMJ symptoms for many reasons, including extreme stress, an accident or injury to the area, missing, crooked, or broken teeth and even genetics. Although each of these issues may seem small, a malfunctioning or misaligned bite?often causes many other physical problems because of the extraordinary amount of pressure placed on the disc and joint areas. In turn, this also affects the surrounding supportive muscles, joints and other soft tissue. This is why those aches and pains that are seemingly unrelated may actually all result from a misaligned bite.
What are the symptoms of TMJ?
TMJ symptoms vary from patient to patient, but these are some of the most common concerns:
- Chronic and severe headaches
- Jaw tenderness
- Jaw popping or clicking
- Ringing in the ears
- Neck and back pain
Is there help for people with TMJ?
There are many successful methods for TMJ treatment, but this varies from patient-to-patient, depending on their unique dental issues. The objective is to resolve each problem area and get the bite back into proper alignment. This may include some or all of these procedures:
- Physio therapy, massage or chiropractic treatment
- Veneers or crowns to repair broken or cracked teeth
- Bridges or dental implants to replace missing teeth
- Orthotics to gently realign the jaw
- Orthodontics to straighten crooked teeth
What is the first step
Learn more by downloading our free E-book, ??Do I have TMJ??? . This includes more in-depth information, as well as a TMJ questionnaire. After reading this booklet, follow-up with your Milwaukee dentist?for a TMJ consultation and diagnosis to get started today with your individualized treatment plan.