If you are dealing with pain in your jaw joint area, especially when you eat, you may be dealing with TMJ in Mt. Pleasant, MI. Visit the office of Dr. Keith Bever for proper diagnosis and treatment options.
Can TMJ Go Away on Its Own?
TMJ disorder, also known as TMD, is a health condition in which the patient experiences pain in the jaw muscles. According to statistics, about 10% of the adult population have experienced some kind of TMJ-related symptoms in their lifetime.
Minor TMJ discomfort can go away on its own but repeated episodes will need some type of treatment or therapy.
When Should I See My Dentist?
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, then see your dentist right away for a proper diagnosis.
- Recurring earaches
- Pain in your face or jaw when chewing food
- Difficulty opening/closing your mouth or moving your jaw in different directions
- A change in the way you chew
- Constant pain in your jaw
- Difficult to open and close your mouth
- Difficulty chewing, talking, swallowing, or moving your jaw
What's causing TMJ?
Your dentist can diagnose whether you're suffering from TMJ disorder by examining how you chew food. When you visit our office in Mt. Pleasant, MI for TMJ treatment, Dr. Bever may take X-rays, CT scans, or MRI images in addition to evaluating your bite.
If you clench or grind your teeth while sleeping, then there is a greater chance of developing TMJ. Sleeping with a nightguard can help stop teeth grinding.
What Can Be Done To Treat My Condition?
If you're diagnosed with TMJ disorder, your dentist or doctor may recommend treatments that involve relaxing your jaw muscles or wearing a mouth guard that is specifically tailored for your condition and requires specific fitting.
Some people use yoga and massages to relieve stress. Heat and cold compresses may provide relief if applied directly to the area.
In severe cases, surgery might be required to repair joint tissue. The location of your pain will determine what part of the jaw gets operated on. Surgery is usually efficient in most cases.
You don't have to suffer from TMJ pain in Mt. Pleasant, MI. Visit the office of Dr. Bever for help. Call us at (989) 773-9793 for an appointment today.