If you suffer from jaw pain or wake up in the morning with a headache, you could be suffering from TMJ disorder. The TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is located where your upper and lower jaw connect. If this joint is damaged in some way, you can begin to experience a wide range of symptoms. Dr. Loveless provides effective TMJ treatments for his Austin, TX, patients suffering from TMJ disorder.
TMJ Disorder Symptoms
Unlike some other medical and dental issues, if you have TMJ disorder, you are probably already experiencing symptoms. Here are some of those:
- Jaw clicking or popping when opening or closing your mouth
- Jaw pain and/or stiffness
- Ear pain
- Jaw locking (not being able to close your jaw after opening your mouth wide)
- Pain when chewing food and/or yawning
- Headaches — in particular when you wake up in the morning
TMJ Treatment Options
The good news about TMJ disorder is that there are some very effective non-surgical treatment options available. Dr. Loveless can recommend the best treatment for you after an oral examination and diagnosis of your condition. Often, TMJ disorder is caused by stress, so some relaxation techniques may help to reduce the symptoms. Daily habits can also contribute – such as clenching your jaw or chewing gum, for example – so Dr. Loveless may discuss which habits could be making your condition worse. He may also prescribe pain medication if your symptoms are severe. People who suffer from TMJ often also grind their teeth at night. This is not only hard on your TMJ; it’s also bad for your teeth. If you grind your teeth while you sleep, Dr. Loveless may recommend wearing a night guard to provide protection for your teeth.
Contact Us
To find out more about our cosmetic dentistry services and how we can help you get the smile you’ve always wanted contact our Austin, Texas office today and schedule an appointment with Dr. Loveless.
