- (615) 595-6111
- office@downtownfranklinfamilydentistry.com
Just about everyone has experienced jaw pain at some point. The extent of the pain can range from mild to severe depending on the reason. Jaw pain can be associated with different dental issues, however, in many cases the pain is related to temporomandibular joint (TMJ). In this blog, let’s go more in depth as to what TMD is, its symptoms, and the treatments.
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint which has a series of muscles, ligaments, discs and bones that help move the jaw side to side, backward and forward. Essentially, this joint acts similar to a sliding hinge connecting your jawbone to the skull. When something flares up within this joint, such as the muscles and ligaments that surround it, you will have difficulty moving your jaw and pain can result. The result can be classified as TMD or temporomandibular disorder.
The best way to identify TMD symptoms is to meet with your dentist and review the symptoms that you are experiencing.
Here are a few of the most common symptoms:
Unfortunately there is not one main cause of TMD, however there are many contributing factors and therefore TMD can develop if you have any one of these conditions.
So how do you know when it is time to make an appointment with your dentist? If you are experiencing continuous jaw pain, tenderness or difficulty opening and closing your mouth, it is time to make the appointment. Your dentist will feel around your jaw joints when you open and close your mouth and observe your range of motion when opening and closing your mouth. Other ways to diagnose TMD are panoramic X-rays, cone beam computed tomography scans, and an MRI.
If you have been diagnosed with TMD, your dentist may discuss some at-home solutions to relieve the symptoms. Anti-inflammatories are one of the most beneficial medications used to treat TMD. There are also some non-surgical interventions that your dentist might suggest such as oral splints and/or physical therapy.
If you are experiencing persistent jaw pain, contact Downtown Franklin Family Dentistry. Dr. Abrams can discuss your symptoms and develop a treatment plan. Give us a call at 615-595-6111 or fill out our contact form to schedule your appointment.
At Downtown Franklin Family Dentistry, we understand dental procedures can sometimes feel...
Read MoreHave you ever admired someone’s flawless smile and wondered how they achieved...
Read MoreAre you tired of wincing in pain every time you indulge in...
Read MoreGum disease, also known as gingivitis and periodontal disease, is a condition...
Read MoreDowntown Franklin Family Dentistry is proud to introduce the latest addition to...
Read MoreWhen it comes to dental fillings, many patients have questions about the...
Read MoreWhen it comes to holiday gift-giving, we often think of big-ticket items....
Read MoreWelcome to Downtown Franklin Family Dentistry, where we believe in providing comprehensive...
Read MoreAs a dentist, I am often asked about the secret to healthy...
Read MoreDental visit anxiety is a common issue that affects people of all...
Read MoreDental visit anxiety is a common issue that affects people of all...
Read MoreThe human mouth is a complex system that plays a significant role...
Read MoreWhat Are Onlays and Crowns? We recently explored the differences between fillings...
Read MoreMaintaining good oral health is essential for a confident smile and overall...
Read MoreIn our last blog, we talked about clear aligner trays as an...
Read More