Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Telltale Signs That You Should See An Atlanta TMJ Specialist

By Jason Lee


The joint between the base of the skull and the lower jawbone is called the temporomandibular joint. It helps with both speech and chewing of food. In case this bone is damaged or injured, one can suffer from a localized pain disorder referred to as TMJ syndrome. This concern can be caused by a myriad of issues, including teeth grinding, jaw misalignment, gum chewing, poor posture and arthritis. There are certain telling signs that would indicate a need to visit an Atlanta TMJ specialist.

Research shows that over 10 million Americans suffer from temporomandibular joint syndrome. The issue causes immeasurable levels of discomfort, and it is hence crucial to seek help as soon as possible. Here are some of the signs and symptoms of TMJ.

The first warning sign is face and jaw tenderness. This is normally one of the early signs of TMJ. In the majorities of cases, the discomfort experienced can be managed with self-care and it is only temporary. It is however safe to seek the opinion of a dentist just to ensure that a serious concern is not overlooked. A competent professional would run some tests to better understand the root cause of your problems.

The temporomandibular joint serves as the hinge between the jawbone and skull. That said, you are likely to know the instant something is wrong. Depending on the cause of the concern, you could feel some level of pain on one or both temporomandibular joints. It goes without saying that the discomfort should not be ignored and it would be best for you to see a dentist and find out the real cause of the concern.

Most patients experience some level of ear pains when suffering from temporomandibular joint syndrome. The ear will ache from the inside and even from the areas that surround it. To rule out ear problems, you should consult with your primary physician. In case your ears are in good health, then you must be screened for TMJ. Unfortunately, the position of the ear could leave it affected if the temporomandibular joints are damaged or injured.

Because this condition affects the jaw, patients may have difficulties with chewing. In addition, their joints could lock up making it challenging to open or close the mouth. In case this is happening, it goes without saying that you should not postpone your trip to a seasoned specialist.

Finally, you have reason to raise an eyebrow if your jaw is clicking. One of the red flags to look out for is grating feeling or clicking sound when closing or opening your mouth or when chewing. Whether the jaw movements are limited or you are experiencing some level of pain, it would be necessary to get the issue properly diagnosed.

There are various ways of treating TMJ. After running some physical tests, the expert can tell the exact source of your discomfort or pain and advice about the best way forward. Depending on the issues that are identified, you could get anti-inflammatory prescriptions or get referred to a chiropractor. When dealing with severe issues, the doctor could on the other hand recommend temporomandibular joint replacement or dental surgery.




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