TMJ Treatment

TMJ TreatmentTMJ pain can be severe, but with proper care, it’s often temporary. If you’re experiencing jaw pain, see Dr. Carol Jin, DDS in San Ramon, California. We can help you learn more about common causes and effective treatments so you can experience real relief.

People that have consistent TMJ problems often need a dentist’s help.

What Is TMJ?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. Temporomandibular Joint Disorder is when problems occur in the joint itself and the muscles in your face.

When Your Jaw Just Hurts

Like any other joint, your TMJ can fracture, tear, swell, get displaced or become sore. The surrounding muscles become inflamed and tight, preventing you from moving your jaw like you used to.

3 Common Causes Of TMJ

Clenching and grinding your teeth are two common causes of TMJ pain. These habits can strain your jaw and damage your joint over time. Jaw injuries (like getting hit in the face or mouth) can sometimes knock your jaw bone out of alignment and result in pain.

7 TMJ Symptoms To Look Out For

So, how do you know if you have TMJ? Difficult or painful chewing is a classic first sign. Clicking or popping sounds while eating or talking are also clues that something might be wrong.

A tight or locked jaw or a jaw that moves out of place is a particularly concerning symptom. Both can interfere with your eating and oral hygiene. The most common symptom, however, is the pain in your face and jaw.

Headaches, earaches, and pain behind your eyes are other frequent symptoms. Even if you’re not in pain, your muscles may still feel tender.

Helpful Treatments For Jaw Pain Relief

There are many methods for treating TMJ. Some are easy to try at home. If you’ve had persistent symptoms for two weeks and home remedies aren’t working, we invite you to see our dentist for more specialized treatments.

  • Avoid Yawning And Nervous Biting (Fingernails, Pencils, Etc.)
  • Apply Ice Or Heat To The Joint
  • Avoid Hard, Crunchy, & Chewy Foods
  • Gently Massage Muscles
  • Try Over-The-Counter Pain Relievers
  • Order A Custom-Made Bite Or Night Guard
  • See A Dr. For Prescription Muscle Relaxers
  • Receiver Corticosteroid Injections

Personalized Dental Care For Real Results

TMJ syndrome shares a lot of symptoms with other dental problems, so it can be difficult to know whether you have it or not. A dentist knows what to look for and can determine whether your pain is due to some other treatable problem.

Having regular dental checkups will catch problems early and keep your teeth healthy. A dentist can also help prevent jaw issues from developing, so you can continue living a pain-free life.

Ready For Solutions? Call Today.

Do you need TMJ pain relief? Call the office of Dr. Carol Jin, DDS and make an appointment today. We provide regular, quality dental care that will keep your mouth healthy and pain-free.

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