TMJ Treatment in Downey, CA

Temporomandibular joint issues are commonly referred to as TMJ. These types of concerns are associated with the joint where your jawbone hinges with your skull, located underneath the cheek. Any patients who have issues here may notice pain or clicking associated whenever they move their jaw. This can happen during chewing, talking, or normal jaw movement. While TMJ can be a temporary issue, it shouldn’t be taken lightly.


Understanding Temporomandibular Joint Pain

Your jawbone, or mandible, has two different points where it interacts with the skull, one on the right and left sides of your face. These hinges are critical for conducting any action where you need to move the lower portion of your jaw. In many cases, TMJ is a temporary issue that can resolve with time or treatment. If you have concerns about the movement in your jaw, Ofir Orthodontics has the resources and knowledge to help guide you to your best solution.


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Causes of TMJ

TMJ can occur for a variety of reasons. However, some of the most common issues are stress, misalignment, arthritis, or injury. In addition, patients who have bruxism, or the tendency to clench and grind their jaw are at increased risk of developing TMJ.

Typically, the temporomandibular joint is a smooth action that occurs as the joints in your lower jaw slide in the socket located on your skull. This joint is covered with a thin layer of cartilage, and a small disk that helps to smooth the motion.

Signs of TMJ

It is important to understand some of the early signs of TMJ, so you know when to schedule an appointment with our offices. Ofir Orthodontics is poised to help you diagnose, and treat the effects and causes of TMJ.

It is time to call our offices to conduct an evaluation if you begin to develop:

  • Pain in your jaw
  • Jaw tenderness
  • Pain located in one or both of the temporomandibular joints
  • Aching in or around your ear
  • Facial pain
  • Pain or difficulty that occurs while you chew, yawn, or talk
  • Or if the jaw locks pops or clicks

Any of these signs can signal issues with your temporomandibular joint. The sooner that you seek help with these issues, the sooner you can have them resolved. Expedient resolution helps to reduce the strain and wear that your jaw experiences and can help you avoid any unnecessary pain or embarrassment caused by jaw issues.

Identifying TMJ

If you are having any of the symptoms or signs of TMJ, you should schedule an appointment with our offices. Our friendly and experienced staff will make sure that we properly diagnose and treat any of your conditions.

During an evaluation for TMJ, your orthodontist will try to identify the location of your pain or discomfort. This involves listening to your jaw as you move through a series of different emotions, a visual inspection of your ability to move and manipulate your jaw, and a physical inspection that includes feeling the outsides of your temporomandibular joint as you move the joint. Once a thorough inspection has taken place, your orthodontist can help you design a specific treatment plan.

Treatment

Fortunately, many treatment options to resolve issues associated with TMJ are simple and temporary. Your orthodontist may suggest that you take a series of medications that helps to reduce inflammation and relax tension associated with the joint. In addition, you may also be fitted for a custom mouthguard that helps to reduce pressure and the effects of bruxism on the joint while you sleep. If these options don’t resolve your issues, there are also surgical options, but these will be discussed with you if they are necessary.

Overview

If you have issues with pain or sounds while moving your jaw, call our offices today. Ofir Orthodontics has the expertise required to diagnose and treat issues associated with TMJ. Call our offices to schedule an appointment today.