We recently spoke about TMJ pain and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). The basic abilities of eating, speaking, yawning, and chewing properly and in a pain free manner are at risk when TMJs aren’t healthy. TMD is often extremely uncomfortable and unpleasant. Inflammation and irritation of the joints and muscles in your jaw can come along with uncomfortable teeth grinding, jaw stress, and tooth damage. Aches, pains, popping, and clicking of the jaw are common complaints seen by Pella, IA dentist, Dr. Jeffrey Allen, who is always eager to help out patients that have TMJ complaints.
Methods of Dealing with TMJ Pain
TMD often begins with symptoms such as orofacial, mouth, jaw, neck, and/or shoulder pain. Some patients describe their discomfort as more of a dull ache as opposed to full blown pain. A feeling of bite misalignment, dizzy spells, and jaw tension are also common side effects of TMJ problems. Once an official diagnosis of TMD has been decided upon, a variety of potential remedies can be explored, including physical therapy, strengthening exercises, stress reduction, anti-inflammatory medications, and customized mouthguards or nightguards from your dentist. As with any serious condition, don’t diagnose yourself or prescribe your own treatment plan based on internet information or word-of-mouth. Seek treatment from your general practitioner and/or Dr. Allen.
Ear Infection or TMD?
About half of the patients who complain of ear pain which is not directly related to an infection end up having TMD. The location of this type of discomfort is usually below/in front of the ears. Chronic or intermittent ear pain can perplex patients and general physician for years before the cause is discovered to be related to the TMJS. Since the two conditions are so similar in symptoms, ear specialists often end up diagnosing cases of TMJ disorder.
TMJ Help from Dr. Jeffrey Allen
Dr. Jeffrey Allen provides comfortable dental care to patients of all ages. Call (641) 628-1121 today to schedule a checkup and cleaning, cosmetic consultation, or second-opinion visit. We are located on the west side of the historic town square in Pella, IA. Please see the map for directions.