Are you experiencing TMJ pain?

TMJ, or Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome, is a disorder of the jaw muscles and nerves caused by damage or injury to the joint which connect the jawbone to the skull. The result can lead to discomfort when chewing or talking, a clicking or popping in the joint, swelling of the nerves or in the side of the face, headaches, tooth grinding, and even dislocation of the temporomandibular joint.

TMJ causes severe discomfort and may interfere with your day-to-day function. Dr. Franklin and his team are well-educated in the diagnosis and treatment of TMJ, and are here to help you. His team will find the neuromuscular treatment that is right for your condition, and work with you to alleviate the symptoms you may be experiencing. Doctors and scientists are still unsure why TMJ occurs in many cases. Research so far has shown that things like misalignment of teeth may cause the jaw to subes quently become misaligned, and cause the pain, clicking and other symptoms that occur with TMJ. Treatment for TMJ varies for each individual case, but in every case the primary focus is alleviating your pain. Dr. Franklin and his team will likely suggest a combination of self-care treatments with professional care to optimize your recovery. Some self-care treatments may include eating soft foods, applying ice to the affected area, resting your jaw to prevent grinding or clenching, practicing jaw exercises to increase strength, or applying heat. Dr. Franklin may also recommend an anti-inflammatory or muscle relaxing medication to help alleviate painful symptoms. A stabilizing splint is frequently prescribed by Dr. Franklin. This small plastic device is similar to a nightguard, and is worn to prevent tooth grinding as well as to keep the upper and lower teeth separated. The splint may also function to move your jaw into an optimized position. In some cases, jaw alignment correction surgery may be required in order to allow the teeth and jaw to rest permanently in a more comfortable position. If you have experienced symptoms such as chronic headaches, clicking or popping in your jaw, radiating jaw pain, limited jaw movement or stiffness in the jaw, or face swelling, you may be suffering from TMJ. For more information on diagnosis and treatment of TMJ, contact Dr. Franklin’s Lodi dental office today.