You may be surprised to learn that if you suffer from chronic jaw tension, muscle soreness and frequent headaches, your bite may be to blame. Occlusion, the way your teeth bite and fit together, plays a significant role in your overall oral health. When teeth don’t fit together properly, your oral structures work hard to accommodate the misalignment. This constant stress on your jaw joint can lead to very debilitating and painful conditions.
To find out if your frequent headaches or other painful symptoms are related to issues such as TMJ or facial pain dysfunction, please contact Montane Dental Care today at 510-795-0444 to schedule a free consultation. Our bilingual Spanish speaking staff welcomes patients from neighboring communities of Newark and Union City to our Fremont office.
What Is TMJ?
Temporomandibular joint disorder, commonly referred to as TMJ, is the common name given to any dysfunction related to the misalignment of the jaw. A complex network of ligaments, tendons, muscles, nerves and bones lies beneath your face and jaw. This intricate system sends sensations and signals to various areas in your upper body.
Your temporomandibular joint functions like a hinge, giving your jaw a full range of movement when eating, speaking and performing other tasks. When this joint is weakened, injured or misaligned, it can cause pain and impact your ability to perform a number of basic functions.
What Causes TMJ?
TMJ can develop as a consequence of a number of causes and conditions, such as:
- Bruxism (teeth grinding)
- Misaligned bite
- Missing teeth
- Arthritis in the temporomandibular joint
- Stress
- Injury to the head or neck
Common Symptoms of TMJ
TMJ can often be an elusive condition to identify because many of the symptoms, such as back and neck pain, seem unrelated to dental issues. On the other hand, TMJ can be mistaken for other conditions such as facial pain dysfunction.
The best way to obtain an accurate diagnosis of what is causing your symptoms is to visit an experienced general dentist. Regardless of the true source of your symptoms, it’s important to be aware of the physical signs that indicate you should visit the dentist’s office for an exam, including:
- Chronic migraine-like headaches
- Clicking or popping sounds in your jaw
- Jaw pain
- Facial pain
- Locking of the jaw joint
- Neck pain
- Upper back and shoulder pain
- Jaw pain
- Difficulty chewing
- Facial swelling
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Limited jaw mobility
TMJ Treatment Options
Depending on the nature and severity of your condition, Dr. Montane may recommend one of the following treatment options:
- An oral appliance
- Dental restorations
- Orthodontics
Contact Our Fremont TMJ Dentist Today
If you are suffering any of the symptoms listed above, it’s important to visit Montane Dental Care soon to meet personally with Dr. Montane. Schedule your free TMJ consultation today online or at 510-795-0444. We happily accept patients from Newark, Union City and surrounding areas.
