If you are experiencing frequent jaw pain, headaches, or clicking sounds when you open and close your mouth, you may be suffering from a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. And you’re probably looking for a jaw pain dentist in Avon, OH. The TMJ is important for jaw movement, speaking, eating, and even yawning. When this joint becomes strained or misaligned, it can significantly disrupt your daily life. Fortunately, effective and skilled TMJ treatment is available right here with Dr. Thomas Hughes in Avon, OH.
What Causes TMJ Disorders?
There are many different potential causes of TMJ disorders. Some common causes include:
- Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
- Jaw misalignment
- Stress
- Injury or arthritis
Chronic teeth clenching puts pressure on the TMJ and surrounding muscles, while an unaligned bite or uneven teeth can strain the TMJ while you bite, chew, and speak. Tension in the facial muscles can worsen this jaw discomfort from stress or other reasons. Trauma or inflammation in the joint can happen in contact sports, car accidents, or if you fall and hit your jaw. Because TMJ disorders can stem from multiple sources, an accurate diagnosis is essential before starting TMJ treatment.
How TMJ Disorders Are Diagnosed
At Avon Dental Care, we provide a thorough examination prior to developing a TMJ treatment plan. Dr. Thomas Hughes will conduct an examination of your mouth using advanced digital X-rays to see the alignment in your jaw. We’ll also check for jaw clicking, popping, or muscle tenderness.
TMJ Treatment Options in Avon, OH
We want to provide our patients with as conservative TMJ treatments as possible while also giving them relief from what can be such a painful joint disorder. Depending on your TMJ exam, we may recommend jaw relaxation exercises, restorative procedures, mouth guards or oral splints, or jaw surgery.
Recognizing the Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
Symptoms of TMJ vary for each person and can include one or more of these symptoms:
- Tenderness or pain in the jaw
- A pop or clicking noise after opening your mouth
- Limited or locking jaw movements
- Frequent headaches or earaches
- Soreness in your neck, shoulders, or face
- Pain while chewing
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a consultation with Dr. Thomas Hughes today.
Find Lasting Relief from TMJ Pain
Living with TMJ pain can affect more than just your jaw. It can impact your overall comfort, sleep quality, and ability to enjoy daily life. The good news is that effective TMJ treatment is within reach at Avon Dental Care.
Our dental team is here to help. Don’t let jaw and TMJ pain hold you back. Schedule your evaluation today and take the first step toward lasting relief.