What It Means to Have TMJ Disorder

TMJ disorder (or temporomandibular joint disorder) is the type of thing that you may have and not realize it. Or, it may be the cause of chronic aches and pains that occur for seemingly no reason. Living with TMJ disorder means something different for everyone, and it’s usually the result of one or more unique underlying causes, such as bite misalignment or chronic teeth grinding. Fortunately, most patients can find relief from TMJ disorder and enjoy better, more comfortable bite function with personalized treatment from their dentist.

The Symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction

The joints that connect your lower jaw to your skull allow it to move, but the impulse to move comes from the large trigeminal nerve that lies next to your TMJs. This nerve traverses most of your head, jaw, and neck, and also accounts for the majority of all of your body’s nerve input. When TMJ disorder forms, the inflamed, damaged, or misaligned joints can aggravate this nerve and lead to a variety of chronic aches and pains, including migraines, soreness in your face and jaw muscles, chronic earaches, and more.

What May Be Causing It

Like its symptoms, the causes of TMJ disorder also differ from patient to patient. In some cases, an imbalance in your jaw or misalignment in your teeth can force your jaw joints to overcompensate when you bite and chew. The uneven pressure can eventually wear down your TMJs and lead to the disorder. Other causes may include injury to your face and jaw or arthritis in your TMJs, to name just a few.

Alleviate TMJ Disorder with Help from Your Dentist

Living with TMJ disorder can be a challenge on some days, and an almost unbearable burden on others. To learn more, schedule a consultation with your dentist by calling Dr. Newman’s office today at 520-296-5439. We’re conveniently located inside the Grant Road Professional Plaza in Tucson, AZ, and proudly welcome the residents of all surrounding communities.