Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) is a very common problem, and is estimated to affect somewhere between 5-12% of the population. If your jaw is hurting and you believe you may have TMJ, Dr. Todd Pizzi and the team at Del Mar Dental Studio are here to help. Read on to get answers to a few common FAQs about TMJ, or contact us now for an appointment.
1. What Are The Signs Of TMJ?
The signs and symptoms of TMJ can vary depending on the cause and severity of the condition. However, there are a few different symptoms you can look out for, including:
- Pain and tenderness in the jaw
- Stiffness and difficulty chewing
- Aching pain near or around your ears
- Radiating, aching facial pain
- Jaw “popping” or “clicking” sounds
- Locking of the joint, which may make it difficult to open or close your mouth
If you notice one or more of these issues, you may have TMJ, so contact the team at Del Mar Dental Studio for a consultation with Dr. Todd Pizzi right away.
2. What Causes TMJ?
TMJ can be caused by a number of different things, and multiple factors are often behind the issue. Some of the most common causes of TMJ include:
- Jaw overuse – Teeth grinding, excessive gum chewing, and other such issues can lead to issues with the temporomandibular joint.
- Trauma to the joint – A blow to the side of the head may damage the temporomandibular joint, leading to symptoms of TMJ.
- Inflammation – Inflammatory diseases like arthritis are often associated with a higher prevalence of TMJ.
- Orthodontic issues – A bad bite and other issues with jaw and tooth alignment can place excessive stress on your jaw muscles and joints, leading to TMJ.
3. Is TMJ Permanent?
No. If you seek the help you need, TMJ is not permanent, and you can get help to reduce its symptoms and severity, and allow your jaw joints and muscles to heal. With the help of Dr. Todd Pizi, you can get relief from your pain and discomfort.
4. What Happens If TMJ Is Left Untreated?
If you have serious TMJ and it is left untreated, the pain may continue to get worse until you have difficulty doing basic things like opening your mouth, chewing, and speaking. We highly recommend getting help from a dental professional if you think you have TMJ.
5. Can TMJ Go Away On Its Own?
In some cases, yes. However, this is only true of very minor cases of TMJ. In most cases, you will need to take a few steps to help your jaw joints recover, such as taking anti-inflammatory medication, doing stretches and jaw exercises, and changing lifestyle habits (such as ceasing gum chewing).
Need Help With TMJ? Come To Del Mar Dental Studio Today!
At Del Mar Dental Studio, Dr. Todd Pizzi is here to help you get relief from the pain of TMJ. As an experienced TMJ dentist in Del Mar, you can trust Dr. Pizzi to give you the help you need. So don’t wait. Contact us online or give us a call at (858) 755-0187 to schedule a consultation right away.
.webp)
