What Is TMJ?
TMJ is a disorder that affects the jaw joints, which can in turn make it difficult to open the mouth widely, or to move it sideways. Over time, the jaw joints can then cause widespread pain, which is what can lead to headaches, ear ringing, neck and shoulder pain, and difficulty chewing or even speaking. It also negatively affects many people’s ability to sleep well, which can impact their mood, productivity level and more.
How Can a Dentist Help?
Thankfully, a general dentist can often help treat TMJ. In some cases treatment is as simple as supplying the patient with a custom mouthguard or occlusal splint, that can help the jaw muscles rest more comfortably, particularly during sleep. Other cases may call for more extensive treatment, such as orthodontic care, or, as a last resort, oral surgery.
If the problems were caused by tooth loss, a prosthetic tooth might also be able to help.
Which treatment is right for you will depend on the severity of your TMJ. If you’ve noticed any symptoms of TMJ, be sure to schedule an appointment as soon as possible, in order to prevent the problems from worsening over time.