What is TMJ disorder?
The compassionate TMJ treatment team at Point Loma Comprehensive Dental can help ease temporomandibular joint disorder, which is a condition that affects these joints leading to pain, stiffness, tooth damage, and difficulty with moving the jaw.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is your jaw joint. It seems pretty simple, but this joint is associated with a host of problems — like jaw, neck, and shoulder pain; clicking when you open your mouth, chew, or yawn; and the feeling that your teeth aren’t in the right place when you bite.
TMJ disorder can be caused by tooth clenching or grinding, growth and development problems, or trauma. Dr. De Rosier has a great deal of experience with TMJ treatment and bite therapy, and can identify the cause of your jaw joint pain and offer solutions to protect your teeth, realign your bite, and alleviate pain associated with TMJ disorder.
What causes TMJ flare-ups?
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) flare-ups can be caused by a variety of physical and mental factors:
- Stress and tension can cause the muscles in the jaw to tighten, leading to discomfort and pain in TMJ.
- Trauma to the jaw or head can cause inflammation in the TMJ, leading to flare-ups.
- Clenching or grinding the teeth (bruxism) can put extra strain on the TMJ and lead to discomfort.
- Arthritis in the TMJ can cause inflammation and pain.
- If the jaw is misaligned or the teeth are not properly aligned, it can cause strain on the TMJ and lead to flare-ups.
- Poor posture can cause tension in the muscles around the TMJ, leading to discomfort.
It’s important to note that the cause of TMJ flare-ups can vary from person to person, and it is necessary to contact us for an appointment to determine the specific cause in your case and what the best TMJ treatment is.
What is the best doctor to see for TMJ?
If you are experiencing pain related to your TMJ, you should see a dentist. Dentists like Dr. De Rosier don’t just treat teeth, but are trained in the anatomy and function of the jaw, teeth, and surrounding structures.
Through a thorough evaluation of your bite and jaw alignment, Dr. De Rosier can determine if there are any issues with your teeth or jaw that may be contributing to your TMJ pain. Often, bite therapy solutions can alleviate pain, allowing patients to avoid invasive surgery.
Before seeing your primary care doctor for TMJ pain, schedule a comprehensive evaluation with Dr. De Rosier, who specializes in bite therapy and TMJ treatment and can find a solution for your pain.
