Jaw pain, headaches, and clicky sounds when you chew just might be symptoms of TMJ disorder, not just a temporary annoyance.
Getting the TMJ treatment near you can help stop the progression of the disorder and safeguard your quality of life.
Many individuals wait to seek help until their symptoms adversely affect their ability to perform daily tasks like eating or speaking.
A dentist trained in TMJ care can diagnose the issue and provide treatment options that offer long-term alleviation.
What Is TMJ?
TMJ is the abbreviation for temporomandibular joint, the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. It helps you chew, speak and yawn.
TMJ disorder results when the jaw joint or the muscles that support it are stressed or damaged.
Symptoms may include:
- Jaw stiffness or locking
- Pain during chewing or opening the mouth
- Clicking or popping sounds
- Earaches or headaches
Having a detailed diagnosis is important because TMJ symptoms can appear like many other dental or medical issues.
What Causes TMJ?
There is no single cause of TMJ disorder; it is the result of a multitude of factors including:
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Jaw injury
- Stress-related muscle tension
- Arthritis in the jaw joint
- Misaligned bite
Getting a sense of what causes TMJ is very beneficial for dentists in developing a customized treatment plan based on the individual case!
What TMJ Treatments Are Available?
Choosing the right TMJ treatment is based on your symptoms and what is causing the pain. A dentist would recommend
- Mouthguards or nightguards to prevent teeth grinding
- Jaw exercises to strengthen muscles
- Stress management techniques
- Bite adjustments
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- In rare cases, surgery
Most of the patients will feel relief by using a non-invasive treatment, especially when the treatment starts early.
How Is TMJ Treated in Bolton?
Finding TMJ treatment in Bolton allows you quicker and more convenient care if you live locally. Dentists locally can monitor, follow up, and make changes if necessary.
This consistent ongoing support is important for chronic TMJ cases that might require a progression to improvement rather than quick fixes.
Why Visit a Dental Clinic for TMJ?
A dental clinic in Bolton can provide specialized equipment and personalized care for TMJ patients.
Many clinics also coordinate with physiotherapists or other specialists if your condition needs multi-disciplinary treatment.
Being close to home also makes it easier to keep up with your therapy schedule.
Can a Dentist Help with TMJ?
Yes, a dentist near you can assess your jaw’s range of motion, look for bite problems, and take X-rays if needed. A dentist can heal dental issues like cavities or gum disease that contribute to dental pain.
Dentists are the first professionals to help with TMJ care as they understand the basics of how the jaw connects to the teeth and bite alignment.
Don’t Wait for TMJ Pain to Get Worse
TMJ disorder can affect how you eat, speak, and your overall comfort. Getting an early treatment can protect you from long-term damage in the future.
At South Hill Dental, we can help you access complete TMJ care, from diagnosis to support, to help you live a life without continued jaw pain.
Book an appointment with us today.
FAQs
Can TMJ go away on its own?
A mild TMJ case can improve with rest and a change in your lifestyle, but persistent pain can be checked by a dentist.
How long does TMJ treatment take?
It varies; some patients feel relief in weeks, while others need several months of ongoing care.
Is TMJ treatment painful?
Some treatments, like mouthguards or exercises, are completely non-invasive and would cause little or no discomfort at all.
Can stress cause TMJ?
Yes. Stress can lead to teeth grinding or jaw clenching, both of which strain the jaw joint.
