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Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ) affect the jaw, causing chronic pain, limited mouth movement, and other symptoms. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may be a good candidate for TMJ dental treatment.

But what exactly is TMJ? And more importantly, how do you know if it's the right treatment option for you? Take a look at what this condition entails to see if you can benefit from TMJ treatment.

How Does TMJ Occur?

TMJ is an umbrella term that describes several conditions that can cause chronic pain in the jaw joint. It can be caused by injury or arthritis and often manifests as a clicking sound when moving the mouth. This condition can also occur due to teeth grinding or jaw misalignment.

Teeth grinding can cause the muscles in the jaw to become overworked, resulting in pain and tenderness. This happens mostly at night and may cause sleep disturbances.TMJ can also occur due to misalignment of the jaw joint caused by an uneven bite or the teeth not fitting together properly. This can cause jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty opening and closing the mouth.

Who Can Benefit from TMJ Treatment?

If you have any of these symptoms mentioned above or believe you may have a temporomandibular joint disorder, it's important to consult a specialist to determine whether or not TMJ treatment is right for you.

Generally speaking, if your condition does not respond to home remedies such as over-the-counter pain relievers or hot and cold compresses, then it might be time to consider professional help.

A dentist specializing in TMJ treatment can diagnose the condition and recommend appropriate treatments such as physical therapy or a bite guard. If you grind your teeth while sleeping, wearing a custom-fitted mouthguard can help protect the teeth and alleviate the muscle strain in the jaw.

In some cases, TMJ treatments may also involve medication to reduce inflammation or disrupt pain signals from the jaw joint. Surgery may be recommended for severe cases, but it's important to discuss this option with your dentist before you decide.

TMJ disorders can be debilitating and make even everyday tasks like eating difficult. Thankfully there are treatments available that can provide relief from the chronic pain associated with this condition. If you think you may have a temporomandibular joint disorder, contact a local professional that can help with TMJ treatment. 

With their help and guidance, you'll be one step closer to living free of painful jaw joints.