Categories: TMJ Dentist

A General Dentist Answers TMJ FAQs

General dentists are here to answer any questions one might have about temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ). These are problems that affect the sliding hinge-like joints that connect the lower jaw and the rest of the skull.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about TMJ disorders

Here are the answers to some of the questions individuals might have about the temporomandibular joints and issues that can affect them:

1. What are TMJ disorders?

Temporomandibular joint disorders affect the joints that connect the skull to the lower jaw. Problems that arise there can lead to symptoms like pain and discomfort coming from the jaw and the muscles around them. TMJ problems can also lead to migraines and headaches.

2. What are the most common symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders?

TMJ disorders often come with symptoms like clicking or popping sounds coming from the jaw, pain coming from the temporomandibular joints, jaw pain, a tender jaw, headaches, ear pain, popping sounds in the ear, difficulty chewing, a stiff neck, neck aches, difficulty opening and closing the mouth and a locked jaw.

3. Do TMJ disorders lead to headaches and migraines?

Yes. These are some of the symptoms associated with the condition. TMJ can also lead to pain coming from the neck, jaw, or ears. The headaches caused by TMJ disorders are often confused with tension headaches due to their similarities.

4. Can temporomandibular joint issues lead to back pain?

Yes. TMJ problems often lead to back, neck, or shoulder pain. Anyone who is unsure about why they get reoccurring back pain should get their temporomandibular joints checked out.

5. Who can diagnose and treat TMJ disorders?

TMJ issues can be diagnosed by a doctor, dentist, otolaryngologistor an oral surgeon. There is currently no health field that is dedicated to treating TMJ disorders specifically. There are also no specific tests for diagnosing TMJ problems and that makes it tricky to diagnose.

6. What causes TMJ disorders?

The causes of TMJ disorders remain unclear. Studies currently show they are multiple factors that can lead to it. For example, an injury to the face or jaw can lead to problems with the temporomandibular joints. Habits like teeth grinding, excessive gum chewing or arthritis can do the same.

7. Can anxiety and stress lead to TMJ disorders?

Anxiety and stress can lead to physical symptoms and TMJ disorders are one of them. Stress also leads to habits like teeth grinding or obsessively chewing on hard things. Such habits can damage teeth and cause issues with the TMJ over time.

8. How are TMJ issues treated?

There are various ways to go about treating TMJ issues. Mouth exercises can help with less severe cases, while the worst cases might require a surgical approach. Treatment for TMJ problems typically starts with a less invasive approach, such as muscle relaxers and oral exercises. 

Get treatment for TMJ issues

Give us a call or visit our Emerson clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist.

Request an appointment here: https://www.emersondental.com or call Emerson Dental Associates at (201) 620-9998 for an appointment in our Emerson office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

When Denture Repair Is Needed

Dentures and partial dentures require denture repair as needed, depending on the stage of your oral health, including any damage or wear that has occurred to the denture over time. If you notice that they are worn out or cracked, it's time to head to the dentist and get them fixed up so that you…

Transforming Your Smile: Steps To A Successful Smile Makeover

A successful smile makeover can transform how you look and address lingering issues that you may be self-conscious about. Whether you do not like the shade of your teeth or think that the gaps between your teeth are too large, cosmetic dentistry can offer smile makeover services tailored to your goals.Since smile makeovers are unique…

Hard Reline Versus Soft Reline For Dentures

A denture reline is a normal part of wearing dentures. Relines are needed to fix ill-fitting dentures. You experience bone loss when you wear dentures, and eventually, that will cause the dentures to fit poorly. The reline adjusts the shape of the dentures, so they fit once again. Most people need a reline every two…

What Oral Appliances Are Used In Dentistry To Treat Sleep Apnea?

There are several treatment options available for patients with sleep apnea. For some, CPAP machines may be an ideal solution, although more patients are using dental appliances in place of their CPAP machines. The following is a review of available treatment options for sleep apnea and how to choose the one that works best. Two common…

Dr. Martini

Share
Published by
Dr. Martini

Recent Posts

When Denture Repair is Needed

Dentures and partial dentures require denture repair as needed, depending on the stage of your…

1 month ago

Transforming Your Smile: Steps to a Successful Smile Makeover

A smile makeover is a cosmetic process that alters the aesthetic of the smile without…

2 months ago

Hard Reline Versus Soft Reline for Dentures

Hard and soft denture relines are similar. In both cases, the dentist removes some of…

3 months ago

What Oral Appliances Are Used in Dentistry to Treat Sleep Apnea?

There are several treatment options available for patients with sleep apnea. The following is a…

4 months ago

How Dental Crowns Affect Your Smile

Dental crowns look similar to natural teeth, so no one will be able to tell…

5 months ago

Emergency Dentistry: Tooth Pain and Fever

Dealing with a toothache and a fever? Our dentist can perform the emergency treatments you…

6 months ago