Elmhurst TMJ Dentist Describes Common Signs And Side Effects Of TMJ Disorder

Written by Dr. Scharfenberg on May 30, 2017

Many people think of Temporomandibular Joint problems as merely inconvenient or tiresome. But, the truth is that, when left untreated, TMJ issues can intensify and actually damage your smile and underlying dental structure. Our Elmhurst TMJ dentists strongly encourage TMJ sufferers to seek treatment as soon as they notice troublesome symptoms. Keep reading to learn more about recognizing TMJ issues.

Your temporomandibular joints are the joints that connect your skull to your lower jawbone. Obviously, it is crucial that these joints remain healthy so that you can eat, speak, emote comfortably.

Sometimes TMJ problems occur due to a sudden trauma or accident that affects the jaw are. More frequently, however, TMJ disorder progresses gradually. It may start as little more than a feeling of tightness in your jaw, or a clicking/popping sensation. These symptoms may indicate that your TMJ joint is inflamed and/or slipping out of socket.

Other symptoms of TMJ may be more general, and harder for the patient to associate to his or her jaw joint, specifically. For example, TMJ sufferers are prone to suffering from chronic headaches and even ear pain.

When your Temporomandibular Joints are inflamed or damaged, it may become difficult for you to chew comfortably to fully open your mouth. You may feel like your jaw is “locking” when you try to take a big bite of something.

TMJ problems can intensify over time. Your TMJs can sustain permanent damage, which is why it is so important to seek prompt treatment for TMJ issues, before the disorder progresses. Chronic TMJ problems can even cause your teeth to wear down unevenly, and change your bite alignment.

Please contact our Elmhurst TMJ dentists, by phone or through our Contact Us page if you think that you’re struggling with TMJ issues. We’re here to achieve lasting relief.