TMJ disorder is often misdiagnosed, or not diagnosed at all, due to the commonness of the symptoms. Unfortunately, TMJ disorder does not cure itself and having the disorder means living with chronic pain in your head, neck, face, mouth, ears, and/or shoulders until it is treated. Aside from threatening your oral health, the chronic pain of TMJ disorder can also have negative effects in other areas of your life.
TMJ Disorder and Mental Health
TMJ disorder describes a condition in which the joints that connect your jaw to your skull, called temporomandibular joints (TMJs), become damaged or misaligned. While no single cause can be attributed to TMJ disorder, experts agree that stress is one of its main contributing factors. Patients often go years trying to relieve their agony to no avail because the malady is so difficult to diagnose.
Studies suggest that people who are forced to endure chronic severe pain are more apt to experience emotional health trouble. The constant pain, often coupled with a feeling of despair after so much time without relief, can contribute to mental stress and depression. One of the major pain receptors involved in the discomfort of TMJ disorder is the trigeminal nerve, which rests in close proximity to your temporomandibular joints. Aside from transmitting the pain of TMJ to your central nervous system, this nerve is also suspected of influencing certain brain processes that affect the state of your emotional health.
Find Out if You Have TMJ Disorder
With a careful examination, your dentist can help you determine if TMJ disorder is the cause of your chronic suffering and help relieve it with personalized treatment. To schedule your appointment, call Keelan Dental in Butler, PA, today at (724) 285-4153. Our Smile Certified experts happily serve patients from Butler, Cranberry Township, Mars, Pittsburgh, Butler County, and all surrounding communities.