Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)
The collection of jaw joints and muscles that allow us to chew, swallow, speak, and yawn are known as the temporomandibular joints. When these joints and muscles are not functioning properly, resulting in popping, clicking, or pain, you may have a temporomandibular disorder.
Symptoms of a Temporomandibular Disorder include:
- Tender or sore jaw muscles
- Problems opening or closing your mouth
- Headaches or neck pain that do not have a known cause
- Clicking, popping, crunching, or grinding noise when you chew or yawn
Although the cause of Temporomandibular Disorder is not always clear, there are some factors that may be contributing:
- Stress
- Clenching and grinding of the teeth
- Injury or fracture to the face or jaw
- Diseases which affect the jaw and/or muscles, such as rheumatoid arthritis
- Improper growth of the jaw causing misalignment
- Worn, loose, or missing teeth
- Partial or full dentures that do not fit correctly
- Parafunction habits such as nail biting or pencil chewing
An in-office Joint Vibration Analysis (JVA) scan and T-Scan Occlusal Analysis can assess any irregularities so that we can start you on the path to feeling better and ridding yourself of pain caused by an underlying Temporomandibular Disorder.