It is important to get a dentist who provides an accurate diagnosis of your jaw problems. The temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD) includes pain and inflammation that affects the temporomandibular joint and surrounding jaw area. The oral area becomes painful and difficult to operate. Typical symptoms include difficulty chewing, jaw popping, headaches and reduced jaw function. Visit a TMJ treatment Appleton dentist who can explain the different treatment options.
To make a diagnosis, a dental provider usually takes X-rays of the patient’s jaws. The dentist looks for defects and connects them to the right symptoms. A TMJ disorder can be mistaken for ear pain because the joint is close to the ear. Also, teeth problems can cause a TMJ condition. When the teeth and bone are impacted, the connections among the teeth, joints and muscles are worsened. A reliable dentist knows about the ways that these parts interact.
Different factors cause the TMJ disorder and place stress on the jaw joints. Bruxism is the most common cause of the syndrome. Symptoms include uncontrollable teeth grinding and jaw clamping. The jaw repeatedly protrudes or slides sideways. Bruxism is a common activity that many humans do in mild forms. The condition causes fractures and irregular patterns in the teeth. In addition to bruxism, other causes of the TMJ condition include trauma and a degenerative joint disorder.