September 15, 2016

Disorders of the temporomandibular joint are often classified as TMJ. Patients can deal with this condition for years and not realize it until pain and tenderness becomes present. Fortunately, treatment is available that quickly helps reset the jaw and ensure you have full range of motion.

TMJ can be caused by a variety of things. Essentially, the temporomandibular joint acts as a hinge that connects your skull and your jawbone. When something is off or not working correctly with the joint, the problem is classified as TMJ. Stress, arthritis, gum chewing and teeth grinding can also exacerbate the situation.

What to Watch for

TMJ affects more than 3 million people in the United States each year, and may occur on one or both sides of the face. It is more common in women than men and appears more often in patients between the ages of 20 and 40. While these factors aren’t absolutely necessary to be diagnosed with TMJ, they are obvious risk factors that increase your chances of developing it.

If you have TMJ, you may deal with some of the following:

  • Swelling on either side of the face
  • Uncomfortable bite or trouble chewing, feeling as if the teeth don’t align properly
  • Difficulty in opening the mouth wide
  • Tenderness or pain in the neck and shoulders, jaw joint area or face
  • Grating, clicking or popping sounds in the joint when you chew or open and close your mouth
  • Tired feeling to the face

TMJ can also causes headaches, earaches, dizziness, hearing problems, ringing in the ears, toothaches, neck aches and upper shoulder pain. While one of these symptoms doesn’t necessarily require a diagnosis, several of them together can point clearly toward a need for treatment.

We Can Help

As a dentist in Durango, CO, Dr. Miner provides valuable treatment for this condition in order to allow patients to live free from pain. If you deal with TMJ and want to improve your quality of life, contact us today at 970-306-0535.

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