Your jaws contribute to a healthy, well-functioning smile, as they help you eat and talk properly. But when you have temporomandibular joint dysfunction, or TMJ, it can be much harder to do these things. At Milltown Family Dentistry, we offer TMJ treatment right at our Carrboro, North Carolina dental office.
What Is TMJ?
First, let’s cover what exactly TMJ is. TMJ occurs when one of your temporomandibular joints, which connect your jawbone to your skull on either side, becomes inflamed. TMJ not only affects the joint itself, but all of the muscles that surround it, causing immense pain and swelling.
There are several causes of TMJ, the most common ones being injury, arthritis, crooked or misaligned teeth, and genetics. If you suffer from bruxism, or teeth grinding, you may also develop TMJ.
Symptoms of TMJ
The number one most common symptom of TMJ is throbbing, severe jaw pain. Other common symptoms are stiffness, swelling, and soreness in the jaw, usually first thing in the morning. You may also experience a clicking or grating sound whenever you move your jaw, toothache, migraines, dizziness, sinus issues, and ringing in your ears.
How to Treat TMJ
If you are experiencing one or more of the above symptoms, schedule an appointment at Milltown Family Dentistry as soon as possible. We can help you find the relief you deserve so you can preserve your smile’s health. First, we’ll help you identify the root cause of your TMJ and provide you with useful jaw exercises you can do to help work through your pain, soreness, and stiffness. We will also determine if you need surgery to correct the issue. Lastly, we offer custom night guards designed just for your smile to prevent bruxism while you sleep.
Some ways you can relieve your TMJ pain before you visit the dentist are cold or hot compresses on your jaw, eat softer foods, and use over-the-counter pain medication.
Affordable TMJ Treatment in Carrboro, North Carolina
Don’t let TMJ affect your quality of life. Milltown Family Dentistry can help you find the relief you deserve without breaking the bank. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
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