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Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome (TMJ) can be a painful and debilitating condition that can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. Thankfully, there are a variety of options for treating TMJ that can provide long-term relief. At our Long Beach dental office, Dr. John Cho can perform a thorough exam to properly diagnose the extent of your TMJ and provide you with the personalized care you need.
What Is TMJ?
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome (TMJ) is a common condition affecting a wide variety of people. TMJ is characterized by severe headaches, jaw pain of varying degrees, grinding teeth, and intermittent ringing in the ears. The vast majority of TMJ sufferers are unaware that the root cause of these problems is something that a dentist can effectively treat.
The symptoms of TMJ are debilitating and can greatly interfere with everyday life. The comfort and general well-being of the patient are at the heart of the dental practice, so pain relief is the first consideration of the dentist. The dentist is able to test, diagnose, and devise an immediate plan to treat the underlying causes of the TMJ disorder.
Reasons for treating TMJ
TMJ sufferers report that their symptoms generally worsen during periods of prolonged or unexpected stress, and that intense outbreaks of the condition can lead to neck pain and dizziness.
The most common cause of TMJ is the misalignment of the teeth, often called “bad bite.” It is possible for the dentist to realign or adjust the teeth without the need for painful or expensive surgeries. The realignment/adjustment will stop the pounding headaches, jaw pain, and dizziness.
The grinding teeth symptom is particularly common and usually occurs at night. The grinding will eventually erode the structure of the teeth and lead to much more severe dental problems in the future. Untreated TMJ is one of the prime underlying factors in eroded jawbones and loose teeth.
Diagnosing TMJ
It is important for anyone experiencing the symptoms of TMJ to visit the dentist for an exact diagnosis. During your appointment, Dr. Cho may exam how your jaw feels and sounds while you open and close your mouth, place pressure on areas of the jaw to see if there is any pain or tenderness, and analyze the jaw current range of motion.
Dental X-rays may be taken to observe the teeth and jaw. In some cases, a CT scan may be ordered so that Dr. Cho can have a more detailed view of the joints and bones in the jaw. Arthroscopy may also be performed to examine the joints in the area. A small camera attached to a thin tube will be inserted into the area through a small incision made around the jaw.
What does treating TMJ involve?
TMJ could be a result of several different problems. Bad bite is the most common, but an injury resulting from a blow to the meniscus cartilage is also a possibility. Initially, the dentist will thoroughly examine the jaw area, the patient’s bite, take X-rays, and review the patient’s history in order to make an accurate diagnosis and recommend necessary treatment.
