Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD)

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders in Cypress, CA

Are you suffering from chronic or nagging facial pain? Are you confused as to what might be causing it? It could be TMJ or temporomandibular joint disorder. This disorder is the second leading cause of facial pain, inflicting about 5 to 12 percent of the American population. Fortunately, our Cypress, CA, dentist Dr. Phan can easily distinguish TMJ pain and provide you with the relief you need.

TMJ Symptoms

  • Do you currently experience any of these symptoms?
  • Jaw pain or soreness
  • Aching pain around your ears
  • Problems or pain when chewing
  • A stiff or locked jaw joint that makes it hard to move your mouth
  • Morning headaches (which is common in nighttime teeth grinders or jaw clenchers)
  • Popping or clicking when opening or closing your jaws

If you answered yes to any of these symptoms, then TMJ could be causing your pain and discomfort. However, keep in mind that sinus problems and even a toothache can manifest symptoms that mimic TMJ-related pain. The best way to find out whether you have TMJ or not is to see our Cypress, CA, dentist for a proper diagnosis.

TMJ Treatment

Medication
For mild forms of pain, we recommend over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen; however, for those with more severe pain, we can prescribe prescription pain relievers. Muscle relaxants can also be used in the short term to help with more severe TMJ-related symptoms.

Night Guard
Another way to alleviate TMD-related jaw pain is with a custom dental appliance or night guard. These oral devices are particularly beneficial to those with bruxism (teeth grinding). This device is worn over the teeth at night to protect teeth from wear and tear while you sleep. It can also cut down on the number of morning headaches you deal with and can reduce sore, achy jaws in the morning.

TMJ Disorders

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are disorders of the jaw muscles, temporomandibular joints, and the nerves linked to chronic facial pain.

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) classifies TMD by the following:

  • Myofascial pain: This is the most common form of TMD. It results in discomfort or pain in the connective tissue covering the muscles (fascia) and the muscles that control jaw, neck, and shoulder function.
  • Internal derangement of the joint: This means a dislocated jaw or displaced disk. The displacement can be reduced, expressing by clicking noise or popping noise, it can be displaced without reduction, expressing by open-locked or closed-locked, patient unable to open or close their mouth.
  • Degenerative joint disease: This includes osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the jaw joint.
  • The most common symptoms of TMD: Jaw discomfort or soreness, Limited mouth motions, Pain spreading behind the eyes, in the face, shoulder, neck, or back, Earaches or ringing in the ears, Clicking or popping of the jaw, Locking of the jaw

Treatment may include resting the temporomandibular joint, physical therapy, medicine, behavior changes, or an orthopedic appliance or mouthguard, dry needling, trigger point injections, TENS.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders …

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