The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research estimates that more than 10 million Americans are affected by temporomandibular joint disorder. Michael Moawad, DMD, at Dental Arts of Hoboken in Hoboken, New Jersey, helps to alleviate your pain in and around the ear and jaw using a customized treatment plan. The goal of this treatment will be to be able to open and close your mouth for normal speaking, chewing, and yawning. If you have any questions about your jaw pain and stiffness, call the office today or book your appointment online.
Your temporomandibular joint is one of the most frequently used joints in your body as it connects the side of your head with your jaw. This allows you to effectively move your jaw so you can yawn, chew, and talk. Because of this, developing TMJ can greatly diminish your quality of life.
Causes of TMJ include a variety of factors including:
If you have reason to believe you may have TMJ, it’s important you schedule a consultation with Dr. Moawad today to avoid any future physical ailments TMJ may cause.
While TMJ symptoms vary, the main ones include:
Dr. Moawad does a complete inspection of your mouth and face, including taking X-rays to understand if these symptoms can be attributed to TMJ. During the inspection, Dr. Moawad checks your jaw for points of tenderness or pain while listening to pops or clicking sounds when moving your jaw.
In addition, he’ll test your bite and make sure your jaw doesn’t lock when you engage your temporomandibular joint.
While you can do your best to prevent TMJ by relieving stress on your jaw through keeping your face relaxed and avoiding clenching your teeth, this isn’t always possible.
Because of this, Dr. Moawad uses a variety of treatments depending on the severity of your TMJ, such as:
If you want to alleviate your jaw problems and facial pain, call Dr. Moawad at Dental Arts of Hoboken today or schedule your appointment online.
