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Gevik Marcarian, DDS, Inc. |
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Comprehensive Cosmetic Dentistry & Oral Implantology |
16661 Ventura Blvd, Suite 611 Encino, CA 91436 Call for a Free Consultation |
Our Services
The temporomandibular joints connect the jawbone to the skull. Located at the sides of the head near each ear, these joints play an essential role in eating, speaking, and making facial expressions. In fact, the temporomandibular joint ( TMJ) is one of the most frequently used and complex joints in the entire body.
TMJ disorder can develop when one or both of the temporomandibular joints stop functioning properly. This may happen due to any number of causes and may result in chronic ear pain, jaw stiffness and soreness, difficulty opening the mouth, jaw popping or clicking, and headaches. Sufferers of TMJ disorder may experience either sharp pain or a dull, constant ache. Because the causes and symptoms of TMJ disorder are so varied, the condition is typically classified into three main sub-categories:
* Myofacial pain
* Internal derangement of the joint
* Inflammatory joint disease
These classifications help doctors develop more effective treatment options for sufferers of TMJ disorder, based on each patient’s unique symptoms and needs. For proper diagnosis and treatment of TMJ conditions, a patient may require evaluations from multiple medical specialists. In addition to general dentists, dentists trained in neuromuscular dentistry, primary care physicians, and otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat specialists) are typically sought for TMJ diagnosis and care. These health care professionals can provide more information on what causes the condition, how it is treated, and other TMJ topics.
Signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders may include:
* Pain or tenderness of your jaw
* Aching pain in and around your ear
* Difficulty chewing or discomfort while chewing
* Aching facial pain
* Locking of the joint, making it difficult to open or close your mouth
* Headache
* Uncomfortable bite
* An uneven bite, because one or more teeth are making premature contact
TMJ disorders can also cause a clicking sound or grating sensation when you open your mouth or chew. But if there's no pain or limitation of movement associated with your jaw clicking, you probably don't have a TMJ disorder.
When to see a doctor
If you have persistent pain or tenderness in your TMJ, if you have facial pain and experience clicking or grating when you chew or move your jaw, or if you can't open or close your jaw completely, seek medical attention.