Jaw Joint Pain
Jaw joint pain and any facial pain can be frustrating especially if the pain includes soreness and discomfort around the area. It can be caused by a lot of factors, but usually, it is the result of the dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
Symptoms may include earache, headache, and limitation of jaw opening. Patients may also complain of clicking sounds in the joint or pain on opening and closing the mouth. An oral maxillofacial surgeon can work with you to determine the most appropriate treatment.
What is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?
TMJ consists of joints responsible for the opening and closing of the mouth. You can be diagnosed with having a TMJ disorder if the joints are not functioning properly, which then result to jaw joint pain and facial soreness. This also makes the patient have trouble moving the jaw and feels like there is something clicking and popping when they open their mouth.
There are many forms of treatment to correct TMJ. For mild cases, oral medication can usually help alleviate the symptoms. However, for serious cases, a joint wash out or arthroscopy may be required.
Diagnosing TMJ
The diagnosis of TMJ disorder includes a physical exam where the dentist will observe the jaw and feel the areas around it to identify sites of jaw joint pain. If the dentist suspects a TMJ disorder, he would suggest a dental x-ray, CT scan, or MRI scan to have a clear view of the TMJ and know the best treatment for it.
Consulting with an orthodontist is advised if you’re experiencing aching in jaw and ear area, jaw tenderness or pain, difficulty chewing, facial pain, and difficulty in closing or opening your mouth due to joint pains.
Treatment for Jaw Joint Pain/TMJ Disorder
Treatment for jaw joint pain includes over-the-counter medications which can help relieve muscle pain and swelling. The dentist will also advise to just eat soft food and some exercises for the jaw. But if these home remedies don’t help, the dentist will suggest other treatments such as surgery effective for jaw joint pain to be performed by an oral maxillofacial surgeon.
The Oral Maxillofacial Practice specialises on such jaw joint pain and other oral and facial diseases and malformations. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experts.