When your lower jaw (mandible) opens, closes, and moves about, the joints that connect it to your skull have to move at the same time. Otherwise, these temporomandibular joints (TMJs) can’t operate as smoothly and efficiently as they’re supposed to. As a result, you may experience a broad range of aches and pains, from chronic jaw discomfort to recurring headaches and migraines, and more. Known as TMJ disorder, a dysfunction in one or both jaw joints is the most common cause behind jaw pain and other related symptoms. Therefore, TMJ treatment is the most common way to find permanent relief from such aches and pains.
Diagnosing Your Jaw Pain
The problem with diagnosing TMJ disorder is that it comes with a large variety of symptoms, and jaw pain isn’t always the most prominent one. The nerves that rest close to your TMJs, known as the trigeminal nerves, are responsible for most of your craniofacial nerve input. TMJ disorder can cause these nerves to become aggravated, leading to pain that radiates throughout the nerves’ pathways. To diagnose jaw and other pains, your dentist can perform a thorough examination that determines the alignment and function of your TMJs and your potential for having a jaw dysfunction.
How Your Dentist Can Relieve It
For many people who suffer from TMJ pain, the solution to relieving it can be as simple as wearing a custom-designed oral appliance when they sleep at night. Your dentist can design an appliance that fits comfortably and unobtrusively over your teeth to support your lower jaw while you sleep. This support ensures that your TMJs can rest comfortably and, in many cases, recover from any damage that they’ve incurred throughout the day.
Get Relief from Chronic Jaw Pain
If your jaw constantly hurts, pops, and/or clicks when you move it, then TMJ disorder may be the cause behind it. To find out how you can treat the disorder and relieve the pain, schedule an appointment with your dentist by calling Keelan Dental in Butler, PA, at (724) 256-4612. Our Smile Certified experts happily serve patients from Butler, Cranberry Township, Mars, Pittsburgh, Butler County, and all surrounding communities.