Our Elmhurst TMJ dentists are dedicated to helping patients find real and lasting relief from TMJ dysfunction and pain. Most patients know that TMJ disorder can cause a variety of disruptive symptoms—jaw popping, headaches, and jaw soreness, just to name a few. What many patients don’t realize, however, is that without proper treatment and timely dental intervention, TMJ disorder can cause serious and lasting damage. Without treatment, you may find that your TMJ pain becomes more extreme over time.
What is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder refers dysfunctions of the temporomandibular joint, which connects the skull to the lower jaw. When this joint is irritated or misaligned, you may experience jaw pain, headaches, and limited jaw mobility. If left untreated these symptoms could escalate. You may begin to suffer from:
Chronic headaches: TMJ headaches can be debilitating in severity, and over time they can keep patients from living full and healthy lives. If you find that you’re suffering from regular, severe headaches, you may be suffering from TMJ disorder.
Uneven and premature wearing of teeth: TMJ symptoms can be caused by an uneven or poorly adjusted bite. Because TMJ patients often grind and clench their teeth, TMJ disorder can actually cause your teeth to wear down and weaken prematurely.
Degredation of the temporomandibular joint: TMJ disorder can put nearly constant stress on your temporomandibular joint. Over time the TMJ joint may begin to wear down, become more irritated, and swell. At this stage patients may experience severe facial pain and limited jaw mobility.
If you’re suffering from common symptoms of TMJ disorder, seek treatment immediately from a dental professional. The sooner you treat TMJ disorder, the less likely it that you’ll suffer from long-term and irreversible complications. Give our Elmhurst TMJ dentists a call if you have any questions—we’re here to help you live a healthy and pain-free life!
