When your jaw joint (TMJ) is compromised, you may experience one or more of these symptoms:
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Jaw locking open or shut
- Frequent headaches or migraines
- Pain or tenderness when biting or chewing
- Jaw joint popping or clicking upon opening or closing your mouth
- Tooth clenching or grinding
TMJ dysfunction can lead to a painful disorder called temporomandibular disorder (TMD) that is quite debilitating for many patients. The good news is that at Sinnick Family Dental, we offer jaw pain treatment in Medina, OH, that is effective because our dentists take time to determine the root cause. Here's what you should know.
What Causes TMD?
Our dentists must get to the root cause of your TMD to ensure you receive the right TMJ treatment in Medina, OH, for your needs. Some of the causes of TMD might be:
- Bite misalignment
- Stress or anxiety
- Tooth grinding (bruxism)
- Poor habits — Like biting nails or constant gum chewing
- Joint diseases — Like arthritis
Once our dentists understand the cause of your TMD, they can recommend treatment. If a misaligned bite is causing your TMD, our dentists may recommend orthodontic treatment to correct it. If bruxism is causing it, they may recommend a custom oral appliance to wear at night to minimize clenching and grinding and protect your teeth from the wear and damage it causes.
Signs You Need TMJ Treatment in Medina, OH
TMD is hard to diagnose on your own, but some early symptoms of TMJ disorder are:
- Worn or chipped teeth
- Jaw pain
- Frequent headaches, especially in the morning
- Pain during chewing
If you or a loved one suffers from TMD pain, talk with our team at (330) 725-9851 to book an evaluation with one of our dentists and learn more about how we can help you.