It is usually hard to determine the precise cause of TMJ disorder. Issues affecting the temporomandibular joint may originate from different potential causes, and ascertaining the right cause can help determine the course of treatment. Jaw injury is a common cause of TMJ disorder, but the condition does not develop immediately after the injury; in fact, it could be years after.
TMJ is a complicated condition and many factors can contribute to it. A jaw injury can cause TMJ disorder. Another aspect is the event following the injury.
If the injury caused a situation like dislocation of the jaw joint, the body would attempt to adapt to the situation. During the adaptation process, the muscles will need to behave differently from how they used to. These changes can make it difficult for the muscles to return to their normal resting state.
The attempt to return to the rest position is what makes the muscles tense and sore, and facial pain is a common symptom of TMJ disorder. However, it is not just about the pain; the muscles could also cause teeth grinding, which may lead to severe tooth wear. The condition can put stress on the jaw joints, causing the cushioning disc in that joint to deteriorate or become permanently dislocated. The bone around the area may even start to suffer as well.
Without professional treatment, the muscles will keep trying to adapt, causing new symptoms to develop. Other signs of the condition may take years to appear.
In some cases, the symptoms may appear soon after the jaw injury, but they are often barely noticeable or hardly serious. Jaw clicking or popping, for instance, may be overlooked for years, particularly if there is no pain or the discomfort is minor.
Sometimes, the symptoms may occur intermittently. Constant jaw activity may lead to the aggravation of symptoms like ear pain, tinnitus or headache. However, if the patient decides to rest and resort to a soft diet, the symptoms disappear again.
Some situations might push a patient to realize the severity of the symptoms and the need for professional attention. After a couple of recurrences, they might realize that the signs indicate a condition that only flares occasionally. Or, the symptoms may become regular or so severe that they can no longer be ignored.
Since TMJ has many signs that can show up in different areas of the body, it is easy to make a wrong diagnosis. Patients with TMJ might be told that the condition is a migraine, primary tension headache, or Meniere’s disease.
Misdiagnosis is possible is common if the accident also leads to other injuries. For example, a patient might be suspected of suffering a head injury in the accident that caused the jaw injury. Therefore, the doctor might recommend a treatment for head injuries when jaw treatment is required, either alone or in conjunction with the head treatment.
A jaw injury can cause TMJ disorder, but early intervention can help prevent the condition from worsening. The R. Scott Smith DDS team is here to help you get the relief you need. Call our Orange office to learn more or to schedule a consultation.
Request an appointment here: https://www.rscottsmithdds.com or call R. Scott Smith DDS at (714) 332-4737 for an appointment in our Orange office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: TMJ in Orange, CA.
TMJ disorder, or temporomandibular joint disorders, refers to a group of issues related to mobility and discomfort around the jaw joints. The temporomandibular joints are the joints that link the lower jawbone (mandible) to the skull. More than any other joint in the body, these flexible joints are constantly in use, performing actions such as…
Adjusting to new dentures is a familiar feeling to the 36 million Americans that have no teeth, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). Dentures allow those Americans to eat and speak normally when they have lost their natural teeth to age, gum disease, or dental trauma. Unfortunately, even the best dentures are expected to…
Clear aligners are growing to be a popular teeth-straightening treatment option. They offer benefits that other teeth straightening treatments do not. However, as with all teeth-straightening options comes the question of how long the process will actually take. Individuals who are considering their options often use the timeline of treatment as a deciding factor, and…
Gum recession is a condition where the gum tissue surrounding the teeth pulls back. A periodontist can provide gum recession treatments to minimize discomfort and prevent it from progressing and causing more severe dental issues. By seeking care promptly, patients can restore gum health and protect their smiles.Gum recession is common but treatable. The sooner…
Though you may not like adjusting to new dentures, your old ones will not last…
Clear aligners are custom-created transparent trays that fit over the top or bottom arch of…
A periodontist can provide gum recession treatments to minimize discomfort and prevent it from progressing…
Laser dentistry is a relatively young concept that can target diseased soft tissue and improve…
The basics of tooth extraction aftercare focus on protecting the extraction site and encouraging proper…
Crowns are a great cosmetic solution for many problems, including discolored, spaced-out, or misaligned teeth.
