Do you have jaw pain or stiffness? Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) could be to blame for your symptoms. Your Long Beach, CA, orofacial pain specialist, Dr. Douglas Wall offers treatments that ease the pain and discomfort of TMJ.

About TMJ

TMJ affects the hinge joints in your jaw. The joints, which are located on either side of your face below your ears, make it possible to move your mouth from side to side and open and close your mouth.

Muscles, bones, ligaments, and discs in the joints must be properly allowed for smooth jaw function. If any of these structures become misaligned due to an injury, inflammation, arthritis, excessive pressure on joint or other causes, you may experience TMJ symptoms.

TMJ signs and symptoms

If you have TMJ, you may experience one or more of these symptoms:

• Jaw pain
• Jaw stiffness and tenderness
• A clicking or popping sound when you open and close your mouth
• Difficulty moving your jaw or opening your mouth completely
• Facial swelling
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Temporary jaw locking
• Stiff neck and shoulder muscles
• Ringing in the ears
• Ear pain
• A change in the way your upper and lower teeth fit together

Although the cause of TMJ isn't always known, you may be more likely to develop it after a blow to the jaw, a jaw fracture, or dislocation. Other risk factors include stress, arthritis, bite problems, and grinding or clenching your teeth. Women are more likely to develop TMJ than men.

TMJ treatment options

If you're diagnosed with TMJ during your visit to the Long Beach dental office, these treatments may be helpful:

• Heat and ice packs to reduce pain and stiffness
• A nightguard to reduce pressure on your jaw if you grind your teeth at night
• Corticosteroid injections to reduce pain and inflammation
• Exercises that can reduce clicking, improve jaw movement, and strengthen and stretch jaw muscles
• An oral splint worn over your teeth that decreases pressure and realigns your jaw
• Minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery (Most people never need surgery for TMJ.)

Are you experiencing TMJ symptoms? Call your orofacial pain specialist in Long Beach, CA, Dr. Douglas Wall, at (562) 597-1414 to schedule an appointment.