What Are TMJ Disorders?
TMJ disorders are when a person experiences pain, tenderness, or discomfort in their temporomandibular joint. These joints are located on both sides of a person’s face. It is responsible for connecting our jawbones to our skulls and allows us to move them in various angles.
What Are The Causes of a TMJ Disorder?
The TMJ is one of the most complex joints in the body. It is often unclear what exactly causes a TMJ disorder, but there are certain factors that may contribute to it.
These factors include the following:
- Arthritis in the jaw.
- Suffering from an injury to the jaw.
- Excessive teeth grinding.
- Wear and tear.
- Genetics.
Dr. Heather F. Fleschler will carefully assess your situation, so she can determine the most plausible cause of your TMJ disorder.
What Are The Symptoms of TMJ Disorders?
People who suffer from a TMJ disorder often report numerous symptoms.
These symptoms may include:
- You have an ache around the ears.
- You feel pain in one or both TMJs.
- You have difficulty chewing.
- Your jaw may lock, making it difficult for you to open and close your mouth.
- Your jaw makes popping sounds.
- Your jaw feels stiff to move.
In more severe cases of TMJ disorders, it is possible to suffer from migraine headaches, ringing in the ears, and a change in how the upper and lower teeth fit together.
How Are TMJ Disorders Treated?
The type of TMJ disorder treatment you need depends on a number of things, such as the potential cause and how severe your symptoms are. Doctors usually go with non-invasive methods, like prescribing medication or recommending mouthguards. For more severe cases, you may require trigger point injections or a TMJ arthroscopy.
Schedule An Appointment With Dr. Heather Fleschler
If you are suffering from TMJ disorder, Dr. Heather Fleschler is here to help. Contact us at 713-660-6500 to schedule an appointment for your TMJ disorder today.
