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Your temporomandibular joint is the connection between your mandible (lower jaw) and skull. It’s these two joints on each side of your face that enable you to eat, speak, and yawn. They are durable joints, but can also become damaged, leading to a range of symptoms.
Irving S. Lebovics, DDS, has extensive experience diagnosing and treating temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) and has helped many Los Angeles, California, residents find lasting relief.
Today, let’s take a look at some of the signs and symptoms of this joint disorder to help you identify the condition if it affects you or a loved one.
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) is a common condition that develops in the joints that connect your lower jaw to your skull. It can happen to anyone, and researchers are still learning how and why it develops.
Bruxism is a leading cause of TMJ. This is the habit of grinding your teeth when you sleep (some people also grind when awake). Over time, this abnormal side-to-side motion not only places a lot of strain on your teeth, it also affects the components of your temporomandibular joints.
Additional factors that might cause TMJ include:
If you grind your teeth, Dr. Lebovics can help by fitting you with a custom oral appliance you can wear at night. These devices not only protect the surfaces of your teeth, but also holds your jaw in a slightly different position to help you avoid grinding.
Understanding the signs of TMJ can help you know when it’s time to seek treatment for yourself or a loved one. It’s important to note that symptoms can come and go over time, which is another factor that makes diagnosing the condition so challenging. Many people will simply wait for their symptoms to get better without speaking with their dentist.
Jaw pain is the leading sign of TMJ. This pain can range from mild to severe, and often feels like a dull ache. It could be more pronounced in the morning or late afternoon, and improve as the day goes on.
Additional signs of TMJ include:
Perhaps the most extreme sign of TMJ is a locked jaw, where your jaw becomes stuck in an open or closed position.
Far too many people accept the symptoms of TMJ as unavoidable. Others assume their discomfort is caused by something else and don’t consider that a jaw condition could be to blame.
Don’t ignore the symptoms of TMJ. Pain is your body’s way of signalling that something is amiss.
Irving S. Lebovics, DDS, can perform a simple examination and digital imaging to determine if your jaw joints are functioning correctly. If you have TMJ, he can discuss your treatment options, including what to expect if you decide to forego treatment.
There are several ways to treat this common condition. As mentioned above, bruxism can be treated with an oral appliance, which you wear while you sleep. Some medications can help manage pain and relax the muscles in your joints.
Physical therapy is helpful for many people. In some cases, surgical intervention is the best way to treat TMJ.
When you’re ready to learn more, we’re here to help. Simply reach out to our office by phone at 310-659-8152 or use our easy online booking tool, available around the clock.