At Fourth Dimension Orthodontics & Craniofacial Orthopedics, Deji Fashemo, DDS, and our team are pleased to help our patients in Dallas and Allen, Texas, with all of your dental needs. Today we would like to answer some common questions regarding TMJ. So, let’s begin!
1-What is TMJ?
The joint which connects your jaw to your skull is known as the temporomandibular joint. If it is somehow injured, it can cause pain known as TMJ syndrome.
2-What causes TMJ?
Something as simple as chewing gum excessively, poor posture, stress, misalignment of the jaw, teeth grinding, tooth injury or injury to the jaw.
3-What effect does TMJ have on you?
Pain in the joints of the jaw, clicking and popping of the jaw, pain in the ears, ear popping, dizziness or vertigo, headaches or migraines, sore or even stiff jaw muscles, pain in your temple, and possibly the locking of your jaw.
4-What are your treatment options?
The first line of defense begins with proper care. You can find relief by placing ice packs on the joint, using over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine which are nonsteroidal, reducing stress levels, implementing massages and stretches, and of course, stop chewing gum and stick to eating soft foods until your jaws heal.
5-Additional options include:
— A mouthguard or nightguard to alleviate teeth grinding, or bruxism.
— A dental splint, similar to a mouthguard to provide jaw relief.
— Medications such as muscle relaxers, anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, etc. which can help your jaw.
— Physical therapy which includes exercises for the jaw.
— Jaw surgery.
We hope you have found this information helpful. If you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Fashemo, we invite you to give our Fourth Dimension Orthodontics & Craniofacial Orthopedics team a call today. Our Dallas office can be reached at 972-947-2000 and our Allen office at 972-947-2200. We want to keep you smiling!