Tuesday, 11 September 2018

Signs And Symptoms That May Indicate A Need To Consult With An Atlanta TMJ Specialist

By Jason Lee


The joint between the base of the skull and the lower jawbone is called the temporomandibular joint. It helps with both speech and chewing of food. In case this bone is damaged or injured, one can suffer from a localized pain disorder referred to as TMJ syndrome. This concern can be caused by a myriad of issues, including teeth grinding, jaw misalignment, gum chewing, poor posture and arthritis. There are certain telling signs that would indicate a need to visit an Atlanta TMJ specialist.

Research shows that over 10 million Americans suffer from temporomandibular joint syndrome. The issue causes immeasurable levels of discomfort, and it is hence crucial to seek help as soon as possible. Here are some of the signs and symptoms of TMJ.

To begin with a patient may experience facial or jaw tenderness. This is in most cases the first sign that you will see. Fortunately, it is in most cases possible to manage TMJ through self-care and the discomfort will soon go away. You even so want to be on the safe side and see a dentist the instant you realize that something could be amiss.

Because the temporomandibular joint is the hinge that joins your skull and your jawbone, you should know that something is amiss if the joint itself feels uncomfortable. If you are experiencing noticeable discomfort in one or both of the joints, TMJ may be the culprit. Again, seeking early medical intervention could make all the good difference.

A good number of patients will also find themselves experiencing ear pains. While the pain may affect the inside of the ear or the surrounding area, it could be that your ears are in perfect health. Your doctor will again help to zero in on the main concern of the aches. If the ears are not to blame, then it could be that you have temporomandibular joint syndrome.

Chewing problems can arise because of TMJ. Another sign to look out for is if you are having trouble opening or closing your mouth. In case the joint also locks up without notice, this would evidently mean that something is not right. A competent professional can get to the bottom of your concerns and affirm whether you are suffering from temporomandibular joint syndrome.

Finally, you have reason to raise an eyebrow if your jaw is clicking. One of the red flags to look out for is grating feeling or clicking sound when closing or opening your mouth or when chewing. Whether the jaw movements are limited or you are experiencing some level of pain, it would be necessary to get the issue properly diagnosed.

There are various ways of treating TMJ. After running some physical tests, the expert can tell the exact source of your discomfort or pain and advice about the best way forward. Depending on the issues that are identified, you could get anti-inflammatory prescriptions or get referred to a chiropractor. When dealing with severe issues, the doctor could on the other hand recommend temporomandibular joint replacement or dental surgery.




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