TMJ is an often-heard phrase that relates to pain, cracking, and locking of the jaw. Often, it’s discussed when children are grinding their teeth or when adolescents have unexplained jaw pain. However, what many patients in Los Angeles, CA, don’t understand is that it can affect adults as well.
The TMJ (temporomandibular joint) connects the skull to the lower jaw. Take a moment and hold two fingers below your ear on either side of your face. You should feel a small indentation. Keep your fingers there while you open and close your mouth. You likely feel the rounded edges of the jaw as it shifts inside the joint. Hopefully, while opening and closing your mouth, you feel no pain. This indicates that the joint is healthy and properly aligned.
However, if you have pain, hear a popping or clicking noise, or have a jaw that locks into an open or closed position, you could have a TMJ disorder, caused by a dysfunction of that joint. If the pain lasts for more than a few days, or if it’s intense and begins to creep into the head, neck, or face, it’s time to call a dentist.
Because he has the skills and expertise to properly diagnose TMJ, Dr. Don Mungcal of Downtown Dental has been helping patients find relief from jaw pain. Once TMJ is confirmed, Dr. Mungcal may suggest using oral appliances that are custom-made for each patient to help relieve the pain. The appliance will fit over the upper or lower teeth and help relieve your pain and keep you from clenching and grinding your teeth unknowingly.
Oral appliances are thought to be the fastest and least invasive manner to correct the problems caused by TMJ. If you have pain or hear clicking when you open or close your mouth, if it hurts to chew, or if you have unexplained facial pain or headaches, you may have a TMJ issue. Call
Dr. Mungcal to schedule an appointment and receive a complete diagnosis. If you do have the disorder, Dr. Mungcal will work with you to find the treatment plan to correct your TMJ and ease your pain or discomfort.
