How A Cosmetic Dentist Identifies TMJ Dysfunction And Possible Treatments
The Temporo-Mandibular Joint (TMJ) is located where your bottom jaw meets up with your skull. Layers of cartilage between the two sides cushion strain and keep it moving easily while muscles support its movement. When the bone, muscle, or cartilage suffers harm or damaged movement and abnormalities, this dysfunction causes pain, discomfort, and the wearing of teeth on one or both sides.
Signs Of TMJ
A cosmetic dentist sees the signs of Temporo-Mandibular joint dysfunction frequently. Patients complain about having headaches, ear pain, and discomfort without finding any relief. In many situations, the sufferer will find their ear is sensitive to wind. Their hearing quality can also decrease leaving the person with reduced hearing, fuzziness, echoing, and even balance problems.
Pain can move into the temple, jaw, neck, and even across the cheek or forehead. This pain is often a sudden, sharp pain that behaves very similar to a Charlie horse. It often accompanies ‘noisy jaw’ that sounds like clicking and popping. In many cases, the jaw will lock up and become difficult to yawn, chew, and sleep on the afflicted side of the face. In extreme cases, the cosmetic dentist may notice the jaw shifts or slides while moving the bone. Read the rest of this entry »
