You may be able to think back to the earliest dental appointments you have ever experienced and remember a question on your paperwork similar to the following: “Do you experience TMJ problems?” the question might have asked, accompanied by two boxes next to it, where you could either check “Yes” or “No.” Is this something that has caused you some hesitation if not confusion over the years? If so, it’s time you become familiar with TMJ disorder. By knowing which box to check, you can often help us help you if jaw joint problems begin affecting your daily comfort.
About Your TMJs
Demystifying TMJ disorder begins by explaining what a TMJ is. Your TMJ stands for “temporomandibular joint” – in short, this is your jaw joint. You have two of them. One joint is located on either side of your head. In combination, the TMJs provide the ability for your lower jaw to move with an impressive range of motion – you know this because you have sung, chewed, laughed, yelled, moved your jaw from side to side, and more. When it comes to healthy TMJs, everything runs smoothly, you experience little to no discomfort, and you can continue to function without any problems. However, if you suffer from TMJ disorder, your jaw joints stop functioning up to their full potential.
Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
If you suffer from TMJ disorder, you may find that a number of symptoms ranging from mild to severe begin to affect your daily life. The problem is that this may include severe discomfort and difficulty chewing. Fortunately, we offer TMJ treatment to protect your jaw joints and encourage healing. If you identify as a sufferer of one or more of the following common symptoms of TMJ disorder, please contact us right away for a consultation:
- A clicking or popping sound in your jaw joints
- Discomfort in or surrounding your TMJs
- Daily headaches
- Soreness or tenderness in your face or the area surrounding your TMJs
ABOUT YOUR LIVONIA, MI DENTIST:
James Stewart, DDS, and our compassionate staff proudly serve patients of all ages from Livonia, Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and all surrounding communities. To schedule a consultation, call our office today at (734) 425-4400.