Your dentist is an expert in the various diseases, disorders and other dental problems that affect your teeth. Some, such as gum disease, rotten teeth, crooked teeth and plaque are common knowledge. However, there are a few issues that you may never have run across. One of them is DMJ. In Farmington Hills, your dentist should be aware of what it is, its causes and how it can be diagnosed and treated.
What Is DMJ?
DMJ refers to a groups of conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint and muscle. The disorder may be located in the jaw joint and control jaw movement. The temporomandibular joint is itself located behind the ear – where the jaw and skull intersect. In DJM, the naturally smooth motion of the joint is affected. The result is pain and discomfort that may or may not indicate a serious issue. TMJ, Farrington Hills dentists state, can be recognized by its symptoms which can range from mild to severe.
Symptoms of TMJ
The basic symptoms of TMJ are a pain in the jaw. This can be a slight discomfort that happens when you move your jaws – a clicking sound may be audible. There may also be swelling in the areas that are adjacent to the location of the temporomandibular joint. With ligaments radiating outwards, you may notice swelling in the face, head, neck and elsewhere throughout your body. This is the result of stress being placed on these ligaments as well as the related muscles and nerves.
Other symptoms of TMJ Farmington Hills dentists describe include:
* Your jaw may be tender and painful
* Your ear, and the area around it, may throb and ache
* You may find it uncomfortable and even very difficult to chew your food
* Your entire face may feel painful Aching facial pain
* You will find it difficult to open and close your mouth because your jaw seems to have locked tightly
Many of these symptoms may be misinterpreted by you as being dental in nature.
Seeing Your Dentist about TMJ in Farmington Hills
If you are experiencing a painful jaw, chances are the first professional you will consider contacting is your dentist. When you do so, be sure to describe the extent of the pain as well as its apparent location. He or she can then make the proper assessment of what problem is affecting you and your teeth. This will involve the taking and examination of X-rays of your teeth and jaw.
Other diagnostic tools may be brought into play if TMJ is suspected or, at least needs to be ruled out or confirmed. A CT scan and MRIs may be requested. Overall, if your dentist is proficient, you may not need to see a doctor or a specialist. TMJ, Farmington Hills professionals confirm, can be treated by a dentist who is properly trained saving you the necessity of placing your dental and physical health in the hands of someone other than the dentist you trust.
If you are wondering about where to learn more about TMJ in Farmington Hills, contact the dental team at Dwoskin & Owens Cosmetic & Family Dentistry. Our comprehensive dental treatments include TMJ, cosmetic procedures, tooth ache treatment, and so much more. We cover every aspect of dental care and treatment to the immense satisfaction of your clients.
