TMD/TMJ

It is easy to confuse the pain of Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders with ear pain or earache, or even with migraine headache. These issues affect the same nerves and cause people to feel pain in similar locations.

Certain types of jaw pain, also known as TMJ can often be caused by one or more of the following:

Arthritis
Dental procedures
Hereditary
Hormones
Injury
Mis-aligned bite
Clenching/grinding teeth.

In some cases, stress can also aggravate TMJ symptoms including what is referred to by doctors as orofacial pain or “facial pain”. Limited jaw movement, jaw pain, localized pain in and around the neck or shoulder, muscle stiffness, popping or clicking sounds when the mouth is opened, dizziness, and headache and also common symptoms of TMJ.

Some are fortunate and only experience TMJ symptoms temporarily. For more severe cases of TMJ, an orofacial pain specialist or dentist who specializes in TMD can play an instrumental role in evaluation and treatment.

A TMJ dentist can help identify the cause of TMJ issues and prepare a treatment protocol individualized to meet their patient’s specific needs.

Home ‌ General Dentistry ‌ TMD/TMJ ‌ Sleep Apnea ‌ Laser Dentistry ‌ Implant/Cosmetic Dentistry ‌ Other Dentistry ‌ Dr. Dukes ‌ Offers ‌ Contact
Privacy ‌ Terms of Use

© 2011 Walter C. Dukes, DDS. All Rights Reserved.