There are a number of things that can cause temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems from injury to misaligned bite to stress. That particular joint receives a lot of use during the day from chewing and talking, so anything that creates undue or uneven stress can lead to painful symptoms.
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which is the moveable joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull. The muscles around the joint allow your jaw to move freely, allowing you to eat, talk and yawn. If you have a problem with your temporomandibular joint, you may have a temporomandibular disorder, also called TMD. Symptoms of TMD include:
1. Inability to open your mouth wide.
2. Pain in your face, shoulders or neck, temporomandibular joint area or around your ears.
3. Clicking or popping sound when you use your jaw.
4. Swelling in your face.
5. Your jaw gets “locked” and you are unable to open or close it.
Approximately 15 percent of adults in the United States suffer from some kind of chronic facial pain, including jaw pain, earaches and headaches. One of the common sources of these pains is temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. These joints are on the sides of the head, connected to a complicated set of muscles and ligaments. They are responsible for the jaw while speaking and chewing.
Here are some of the common causes of TMJ:
Malocclusion refers to when the bite doesn’t align and teeth don’t fit together correctly. This results in an improper bite, which can cause excessive tension on the jaw muscles. Sometimes this results from crooked, broken or worn teeth, but it can also result from improper dental work, which is why it is so important to go to an experienced dentist with a good reputation.
Some people might not even realize that they have a misaligned bite, because they are used to it. It can also be the result of ill-fitting dentures. Whatever the cause, the uneven stress placed on muscles as they try to compensate can lead to TMJ problems.
It is possible, although rare, for an injury to the jaw to cause TMJ problems. This can happen when the damage is done directly to the joint, as it can knock the jaw out of alignment. Inflammation from injury can cause a wide range of TMJ symptoms, including hearing loss.
A whiplash injury to the neck that damages jaw muscles can also cause TMJ symptoms. When TMJ problems result from injury, they can be hard to diagnose, but a dentist who is experienced in TMJ treatment will know what to look for.
Stress sometimes causes people to grind their teeth or clench their jaw continually, which puts undue stress on the muscles and joints. It can happen at night during sleep, so people may not even be aware of it. Over time, this constant stress will lead to painful symptoms.
These are just a few of the common causes of TMJ problems. Dr. Mal Braverman can recommend effective treatments to diminish painful symptoms. He is a trusted name in NYC, and many celebrities and television personalities have used his dentistry services.
If you are suffering from symptoms of TMJ, it is important to consult your dentist and explain your symptoms. Depending on the severity of your condition, there are several home and medical treatments available. Treatments include:
1. Heat and cold packs applied to the area.
2. Consumption of soft foods only.
3. Prescription medications.
4. Laser therapy.
5. Corrective dental treatments.
6. Splint or night guard.
Fortunately, there are treatments that can alleviate the discomforts associated with TMJ. Whether it’s headaches, sore jaw, sinus problems, clicking and popping of the joint or some other symptom, there are ways to make it better. Dr. Mal Braverman in NYC can recommend an effective TMJ treatment, as well as a host of other dental procedures, including invisible braces.
Like Dr. Braverman, many dentists have received specialized training in order to provide endodontal care. When a patient has a damaged tooth, they will check to see if the pulp has been infected or become inflamed. Usually, pulp infections will be accompanied by pain, but this is not always the case.
In fact, infections of the pulp can require complex and delicate care, particularly when the affected tooth is a molar. A root canal can address this problem. During this treatment, the channel inside the tooth root is shaped and cleaned, and then, the tooth is filled and sealed.
Afterward, a tooth might be covered with a crown in order to protect it. Sometimes, an infection in the pulp can become bad enough that the gums are swollen and filled with pus. In that case, care will be taken to drain the pulp and gum area in order to alleviate the pain. Antibiotics may be inserted into pulp in order to fight the infection.
Besides root canals, endodontists are also called upon to treat broken teeth, to diagnose root problems and to replant teeth that have been extracted or knocked out. They also might be called into a hospital to examine a patient who has suffered some kind of dental trauma.
These are advanced treatments that require particular skill, training and experience. These problems are of a serious nature, so the procedures are about more than just improving cosmetic appearance. Endodontal procedures protect the patient from even worse symptoms and improve quality of life by alleviating sources of pain and discomfort.
When you have serious tooth problems that need to be addressed, it can be a comfort to know that the person who is treating you has specialized training and experience. Whatever your tooth problems, Dr. Mal Braverman can help. He offers a wide range of treatment options, including gum treatment and endodontist procedures in NYC.
Dr. Mal Braverman in NYC offers effective TMJ treatment, as well as numerous cosmetic dental procedures to help you look and feel better. For more information or to schedule an appointment, Call Him At 212-688-3838 Today!
There are a wide range of symptoms that temporomandibular joint disorder can cause. Some of the more common signs include pain around the ears, neck pain, headaches, tenderness in the jaw muscles, soreness or pain when chewing or yawning, and difficulty opening the mouth. Some people also experience popping or clicking sounds when they open their mouth.
Although TMJ disorder can affect all kinds of people, it is twice as likely to affect women as men, and it is more likely to affect younger women than older women. The condition is the most common cause of non-dental facial pain or discomfort.
A number of factors can cause TMJ disorder, including a misaligned bite, jaw injury, dislocation or arthritis. Stress can also be a major factor, and constant strenuous tasks that cause overuse of jaw muscles can contribute to the problem.
But it is important to remember that facial pains might not be the result of TMJ disorder. Toothaches and sinus problems can create similar symptoms, so it is important to get an expert opinion.
Dr. Mal Braverman can determine if TMJ disorder is the cause of your facial aches and pain, and he can recommend effective treatment to alleviate the problem. If the disorder is caused by misaligned teeth, he can correct the bite with cosmetic dental procedures.
If you need TMJ treatment in NYC, make an appointment with Dr. Braverman. He can recommend the right treatments to help you look and feel better, correcting misaligned bite and cracked, crooked, discolored or stained teeth.
