Restoring balance to your smile and treating TMJ disorders takes a skilled dentist trained to understand the entire orofacial system. Dr. Pamela Cain is one of few local Knoxville dentists with the advanced training necessary to diagnose and treat the underlying cause of jaw, temporal and neck pain. Learn more about what causes jaw pain and whether you need treatment for a TMJ disorder.
What Causes Jaw Pain?
You may be surprised to learn that simply opening and closing your mouth involves a delicate and complex system of bone, muscles, tendons, and nerves working together. When something in this system is disrupted, such as after a long history of teeth grinding or an uneven bite, it can cause inflammation that causes pain or discomfort. This can happen both during sleep and during the day, especially in people with a stressful job or lifestyle. Teeth grinding, or bruxism, causes jaw pain because it places pressure on the mouth muscles for a long period of time.
You may also experience jaw pain from an uneven bite, such as an overbite or underbite, or have missing teeth. When teeth are not properly aligned or shift in the mouth, they may become overworked when chewing or speaking. Unevenly worn teeth can also contribute to premature tooth decay.
Do I Have A TMJ Disorder?
Any pain associated with the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) on either side of your jaw is considered a TMJ disorder, or TMD. A TMD has a variety of symptoms, including:
- Jaw pain
- Neck pain
- Tension headaches
- Popping or clicking when opening or closing your mouth
- Chronic tooth grinding
TMJ is more difficult to identify and properly treat than many patients realize, but Dr. Cain has dedicated her advanced training and extensive experience to diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders. We’ll carefully evaluate your situation to determine the best course of treatment.
How is TMJ Treated?
The right treatment depends on the underlying reason for jaw pain. After detailed imaging and evaluation, Dr. Cain will be able to recommend the best treatment.
For example, if a misaligned bite is the culprit, you may need orthodontics or oral surgery. If a missing tooth is causing pain, you may need to consider restorative dentistry to replace the tooth and help your natural teeth stay in place. Some patients may be recommended a night guard, which can help hold the teeth in a better position and help with tooth grinding.
How Do I Stop Jaw Pain?
While you’re waiting for your appointment to treat your jaw pain, there are some at-home remedies you can try. Ibuprofen is an over-the-counter pain reliever that can help, and holding a cold compress to the cheek will help reduce inflammation and swelling around the joint. You may also want to set reminders for yourself to relax, release jaw and neck tension, and gently massage the areas.
Schedule your appointment online or call us at (865) 280-1173 today to find out the best treatment for your jaw pain.
