TMJ Treatment
Many adults suffer from chronic facial pain. Some common symptoms include pain in or around the ear, tenderness of the jaw, clicking or popping noises when opening the mouth, or headaches and neck pain.
Two joints and several jaw muscles make it possible to open and close the mouth. They work together when you chew, speak or swallow. They include muscles and ligaments, as well as the jaw bone - the mandible (lower jaw) with two joints called the temporomandibular joints, or TMJ.
The TM joints are among the most complex joints in the body. Located on each side of the head, they work together to make many different movements, including a combination of rotating and gliding actions used when chewing or speaking.
There are several treatments for TMJ disorders. Dr. Hine may recommend stress-reducing exercises, certain medications, or wearing a mouth protector to prevent teeth grinding and releave pressure in the TMJ area. Treatment may involve a series of steps beginning with the most conservative options. In many cases, only minor, relatively non-invasive treatment may be needed to help reduce pain.
Information courtesy of the American Dental Association