Are you living with jaw pain? Does your jaw click or pop when you move it? You could be suffering from a disorder of the temporomandibular joint. This joint connects the lower jaw to the skull. When it does not function correctly, it can lead to a TMJ disorder. Although there are various causes of the condition, the results are often the same—throbbing, uncomfortable pain. To stop jaw pain in Waco, you need treatment. There are many noninvasive treatments that can be used to help manage mild symptoms of the disorder. However, for those with more extensive issues, jaw alignment surgery may be needed.
WHAT IS A TMJ DISORDER?
Jaw pain can be caused from several issues, such as grinding of the teeth, infection, or a TMJ disorder. Most often, the pain is a result of the joint functioning incorrectly. It is estimated, over 10 million Americans suffer from a disorder of the joint. It can be caused from prior injury to the joint, arthritis, a poorly aligned bite, and several other factors.
Those living with the disorder often experience jaw pain, which can range in severity and come and go over time. In addition, there is often difficulty opening and closing the jaw. The jaw may even lock into position when trying to do so. It is not unusual to hear a clicking, popping, or grating sound when moving the jaw. In some cases, symptoms can extend to facial swelling, pain in the neck, headaches, and even pain or ringing in the ears.
HOW IS TMJ TREATED?
Often, we try to start with minimally invasive TMJ treatments to resolve the pain. This can include home exercises to help increase the flexibility of the joint, as well as using cold and hot compresses to manage the pain. In some cases, an oral appliance may be recommended to reposition the jaw. The jaw can sometimes be realigned using orthodontics when an improper bite is the cause of the disorder. However, those who do not see an improvement in symptoms may need jaw realignment surgery.
Often, corrective jaw surgery is used along with orthodontic treatment. To perform the procedure, x-rays of the jaw are needed to determine how to reposition the jaw. Your oral surgeon in Waco, Dr. Beck, will develop the correct timing to align your jaw.
Depending on the severity of the misalignment, there are several benefits that can come from the surgery. In addition to stopping jaw pain and increasing the mobility of the joint, facial features can improve, as well as your ability to breathe, eat, and speak.
WHERE CAN I GET TMJ TREATED?
If traditional means of treatment have failed to provide you with relief, it may be time to consider having your jaw realigned. Dr. Jason Beck is board-certified in oral and maxillofacial surgery. He will help you restore your quality of life with improved jaw function.
Stop jaw pain and regain your quality of life. Contact Waco Surgical Arts today to schedule a consultation for TMJ treatment.
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