November 21, 2015

According to recent statistics from the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain, approximately 75 percent of Americans suffer from TMJ without knowing that they are affected by the condition. Of that percentage, approximately 12 percent of individuals suffer from chronic pain that is severe enough to be characterized as debilitating. To underscore the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment of TMJ, and in honor of TMJ Awareness Month, we at Laser Smile Studio urge our patients to familiarize themselves with TMJ symptoms to see if they are one of the millions affected by this ailment. We truly believe that self-education and awareness—along with a comprehensive treatment plan—are key to correcting the problem and leading a healthy, pain-free life.

Know What To Watch Out For

Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ for short, occurs when the hinge connecting the upper and lower jaw essentially comes off, causing the jaw to become misaligned. The following symptoms are commonly associated with the condition:

  • A limited ability to open the mouth wide
  • Jaws that lock or get stuck in an open- or closed-mouth position
  • Severe headaches or neck aches
  • Ringing in the ears or earaches
  • Neck and upper shoulder pain
  • Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the joint of the jaw
  • Difficulty chewing or biting
  • Pain or tenderness in the face, jaw area, neck, and shoulders

Start Your Treatment Today

There are a number of different treatment options for TMJ ranging from relaxation therapies and bite plates to jaw joint replacement surgery, in extreme cases. If you are suffering from any of the TMJ symptoms outlined above, the first step is to give our office a call at 940-293-2090 to set up an initial evaluation and consultation with Dr. Todd McCracken. As a general dentist in Denton, TX, who also specializes in treating a variety of gum disease and oral health issues, Dr. McCracken will come up with an effective treatment plan to suit the severity of your situation. Regardless, you can rest assured that your jaw pain will be mitigated.

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