June 15, 2016 By Advanced Dental Care of Florida

Jaw Pain: Is it Time to Consult a TMJ Specialist?

Does your jaw hurt? Chronic facial pain, which includes jaw pain, ear pain, and headache, affects about 15 percent of American adults. In some cases, this pain is related to one or both temporomandibular (TM) joints. Located on each side of your head, these joints work with muscles, ligaments and bones to help you chew and speak. Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) is a collection of medical conditions that affect TM joints and the surrounding nerves and muscles. Symptoms may occur when you open your mouth or make side-to-side motions with your jaw. TMJ Symptoms People with TMJ typically experience one or more of the following symptoms:

Pain in or around ears
Headaches
Neck pain
Tenderness of the jaw
Jaw pain when biting, chewing, or yawning
Difficulty closing or opening the mouth
Clicking or popping noises or sensations in the jaw area
Jaw pain or soreness in the morning or late afternoon
Unexplained tooth sensitivity

Possible Causes of TMJ Causes of TMJ include arthritis, jaw dislocation or injury, improper bite, and emotional stress that leads to clenching or grinding of the teeth. How is TMJ Diagnosed? It’s essential to seek professional dentist care if you experience persistent symptoms of TMJ. The exact causes of the condition can be difficult to pinpoint. A clinic for affordable dental in Florida is a good place to start. When the dentist examines your head and jaw and takes X-rays of your joints, he or she can often determine if you have TMJ and recommend an effective treatment. If your diagnosis is unclear, you may be referred to a TMJ specialist. Tooth and sinus problems can mimic TMJ, and behavioral and psychological issues may contribute to symptoms. A TMJ specialist is better equipped to decipher the cause of unexplained jaw pain. TMJ Treatment Options With proper dentist care, TMJ is usually a manageable condition. Possible treatment options include the following:

Resting the joint
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Moist heat application
Night guards to treat tooth-grinding
Dental repair of poorly aligned teeth
Relaxation or biofeedback techniques

What to Do if You Suspect that You Have TMJ If you have symptoms of TMJ, seek help from the professionals at a clinic for affordable dental in Florida. In many cases, symptoms will go away without treatment, so plan to start out with a conservative treatment strategy. In severe cases, more invasive and permanent treatments may be appropriate. To learn about our family dentistry practice in Florida, call Advanced Dental Care of Florida today at or make an appointment. Gentle Dental offers affordable family dentistry and gentle, compassionate dental care in Florida. With 14 affiliated practices in the Greater Philadelphia area, our offices are conveniently located with extended hours to meet your needs. At Advanced Dental Care of Florida, we provide most dental services, from basic preventative care and general dentistry to specialized procedures and complete dental reconstruction. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Patient satisfaction is our top priority and we strive to provide the exceptional, affordable dental care and personal touch that lead to lasting relationships. A smiling patient is our greatest reward and we look forward to keeping those smiles healthy, beautiful, and bright. Discover an affordable dentist who truly cares at Advanced Dental Care of Florida.

Jaw Pain: Is it Time to Consult a TMJ Specialist?

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