Permanent solutions to headaches, jaw & neck pain in Carmel, IN
Do you have recurring head, jaw or neck pain? Are your jaws frequently popping, clicking, grinding, or locking? Schedule a checkup right away. You might be suffering from a temporomandibular disorder (TMD).
Other symptoms of TMJ problems
Other symptoms of TMD or problems with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are eye, ear, tooth, facial, throat, and shoulder pain, sinus congestion, dizziness, limited ability to open the mouth, difficulty swallowing, stuffiness and ringing in the ears, and bite shifting.
The TMJ is the joint that connects the mandible or the lower jaw to the skull’s temporal bone, the bone in front of the ear on both sides of the head. This hinge joint is flexible and helps the jaw move from side to side or up and down. The muscles connected to the jaw joint also help control jaw movement and position.
Diagnosing TMD
People with TMD have pain or dysfunction in the jaw, jaw joint and nearby facial muscles. To diagnose TMD, your Carmel dentist will evaluate your medical history and physical examination to determine the cause of the pain and dysfunction and rule out other conditions that may be causing the symptoms.
The jaw joints will be checked for pain, popping, grating or clicking sounds, limited movement, and locking while closing or opening the mouth. The bite and function of the facial muscle will also be evaluated.
Your dentist may also have X-rays taken to view the entire jaw, teeth, and TMJ. Other diagnostic examinations may also be done to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms.
At Really Smile, digital imaging is also used to determine the cause of head, jaw or neck pain. Dr. Smith uses Neuromuscular Dentistry, which is about how the masticatory system works, to find faster and long-lasting solutions to TMD. He also has experience treating TMJ problems that are connected with Sleep Disordered Breathing.
To learn more about TMD, TMJ, and permanent relief from headaches, jaw and neck pain, contact Really Smile in Carmel, Indiana today! You may dial 317-597-8748 or use our online form here.
Dr. David A. Smith explains his vision of life-changing dentistry for Really Smile Dental: