TMJ Doctors in Phoenix AZ Can Help

Doctors explain that TMJ effects the joints that are located in front of each ear which connect the lower jaw bone to the skull. These joints assist in biting, chewing and swallowing food, speaking, and making facial expressions. Individuals with TMJ problems typically experience jaw pain and/or limited jaw movement. 

TMJ pain is often confused with ear pain or earaches since they share the same nerves and are physically next to each other.
TMJ disorders can be caused or exacerbated by injuries to the jaw area, arthritis, dental procedures, genetics, hormones, infections, auto-immune diseases, bite misalignment, and repeatedly clenching or grinding the teeth. Some people with TMJ problems notice that their symptoms are exacerbated by stress. 

In addition to pain and limited movement in the jaw joint, TMJ problems can also cause neck and shoulder pain; headaches; jaw muscle stiffness; a clicking or popping sound that accompanies opening or closing the mouth; a change in how the teeth fit together; ear ringing or pain; decreased hearing; dizziness and vision problems.

In some cases, TMJ problems are temporary. Mild or time-limited TMJ issues can often be treated with the application of ice and moist heat. Eating soft foods and avoiding extreme jaw movements, such as wide yawning and gum chewing, may also be successful strategies for coping with mild TMJ problems. 

Severe and long-lasting TMJ problems should be evaluated by a dentist and/or doctor, and if available a Board certified Orofacial pain specialist.   These health care professionals can evaluate the causes of TMJ issues, and design a treatment strategy that is most appropriate for each patient. Some treatments for TMJ problems are focused on changing the bite. These treatments can include crown and bridge work (i.e., restoring or replacing natural teeth), orthodontic appliances, repositioning splints, and procedures to grind down problematic teeth in order to correct misalignment (also called a malocclusion). 

Other treatments for severe TMJ problems involve surgical intervention to correct existing problems. Surgical procedures for TMJ issues can be used to repair the jaw joint(s) or disc(s) that cushion the jaw joint (the articular disc).  Also, it is best  if you have a Board certified oral surgeon that is proficient in TMJ surgery to consult once conseravitve treatment has been tried.   If possible, the surgeon will reposition or replace the affected disc with the patient’s own tissue. Scar tissue or bony growths in the jaw joint that are causing TMJ pain can also be removed. When the jaw joint cannot be repaired because the disc has changed too much or the joint has broken down, a surgeon may need to completely remove the disc (discectomy) and replace it with an artificial disc.