Treatment for TMJ Pain
Are you struggling with jaw pain that may include earaches and clicking or popping of the jaw?
TMJ stands for temporal-mandibular joint. Temporal, as in temple area of the skull; mandibular as in mandible, or lower jaw; joint, as in where the skull and jaw meet. Problems in this joint may be caused by misaligned teeth, trauma, or excess muscle tension. Cartilage buffers where the skull and jaw meet and five muscles are involved in the area. If something goes wrong, trouble can result.
Problems in this area can cause:
- Headaches
- Earaches
- Trouble or soreness when opening and closing the mouth
- Clicking or popping of the jaw
- Pain in the jaw muscles
- Soreness in the area, sometimes extending to the face
Dental treatments for the condition can include replacing missing teeth, moving teeth, adjusting the bite, filling gaps between teeth, etc. There is no one solution that is right for all cases. Sometimes a plastic mouthpiece is used to prevent clenching or grinding that is contributing to the problem.
