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Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
TMJ disorder describes a variety of conditions affecting the Temporomandibular joint (the point where the jaw opens and closes) and nerves related to chronic facial pain. These problems are now more easily diagnosed by Dr. Sadeghi and treated than in the past.
Did you know that more than 40 million people in the US alone suffer from chronic headaches, jaw aches, neck pain, shoulder pain and dental damage from their bite? Did you know that 95% of all headaches are caused by TMJ disorders? This tension can be related to stress or an improper harmony of the jaws and muscles. This tension can cause a constant strain on your head, jaws, face and neck. Researchers have found that women are 4 times more likely to suffer from this type of pain.
Did you find that you experience frequent headaches/migraines, jaw clicking, popping or grating, limited movement or locking jaw, pain in the sinuses or behind the eyes? Difficulty in eating, ear pain or dizziness? You might be experiencing TMJ.
A dentist who specializes in the above can determine the proper resting jaw position which affects the facial, head and neck muscles, the teeth and the joints.
In most cases, the symptoms related to TMJ disorders can be successfully treated to reduce or eliminate your discomfort. Postponement of treatment usually results in more damage to the joint or teeth.
Dr. Sadeghi uses the latest neuromuscular therapy techniques to accurately diagnose and effectively treat TMJ Disorder and its symptoms permanently. Be sure to discuss any questions you may have about TMJ symptoms and treatment plans with Dr. Sadeghi before beginning treatment.
How Is TMJ Caused?
The exact cause of the disorder is unknown. Some factors are related to an improper bite, injury, arthritis, severe stress, or a combination of factors. Clenching or grinding teeth, a condition called bruxism, may develop from stress or as part of a sleep disorder.
This can tire muscles and create painful spasms, causing even more pain. Repeated muscle problems may affect the joints, resulting in tissue damage, muscle tenderness, and more spasm, perpetuating a cycle of pain.
For more information about how we can help you with TMJ problems, call us at 818 240-5888, we will be happy to help you.
What Are Some of the TMJ Symptoms?
- Jaw pain or soreness, more noticeable in the morning or afternoon
- Jaw pain while chewing, biting, or yawning
- Earache without an infection, sometimes spreading into the face
- Soreness in front of the ear
- A clicking or grinding noise while opening and closing your mouth
- Difficulty opening and closing your mouth
- A stiff jaw when eating, talking, or yawning
- Sensitive teeth without any signs of dental problems
- Aching on the side of the head and neck pain
- A burning sensation in the mouth/tongue
- Grinding of your teeth
- Restricted range of jaw movement or "locking" of the jaw in an open or closed position
A thorough dental examination is the first step toward finding a solution. Depending on the diagnosis, treatments may include reshaping teeth, bite guards, and muscle relaxants.
Call us at 818 240-5888 for more information about TMJ and jaw pain.
How Can Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ / TMD) Be Treated?
Proper diagnosis is critical to make sure you receive treatment for your particular condition. At Pira Sadeghi DDS we will only recommend treatment after conducting a thorough health history, clinical exam, taking appropriate X-rays, and perhaps confirming the condition through other diagnostic tests. At Pira Sadeghi DDS we may prescribe a multiple-phase treatment plan. Only minor corrective treatment may be needed. Treatment may be simple or require more steps for alleviating the condition, depending on the degree of severity. Some of these treatments include:
- Taking a non-aspirin pain reliever or prescription medications such as muscle relaxants, analgesics, or anti-inflammatory drugs
- Eating soft foods
- Avoiding chewing gum
- Applying moist heat or ice
- Physical therapy
- Teaching relaxation techniques to control muscle tension
- Stress management training techniques
- Posture training
- Wearing bite plates to eliminate the harmful effects of clenching or grinding the teeth, and a better positioning of the jaws
- Adjusting the bite, known as "occlusal equilibration" involving removing interferences when the teeth touch
- Replacement of defective restorations that prevent the jaws from meeting properly
- Orthodontics, to put the teeth in proper position
- Surgery
In most cases we treat at Pira Sadeghi DDS, the symptoms related to TMJ disorders can be successfully treated to reduce or eliminate your discomfort. Postponement of treatment usually results in more damage to the joint, muscles, or teeth.
For more information about how we can help you with TMJ problems, call us at 818 240-5888, we will be happy to help you.