What Are TMJ Symptoms?

Many men and women suffer from temporomandibular joint disorder, commonly abbreviated TMJ or TMD. This condition can cause wide ranging symptoms not only in the jaw, but also in the head, neck, shoulders, and back. TMJ is often overlooked or misdiagnosed because the symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions.

Our dentists have extensive experience diagnosing TMJ symptoms and creating custom treatment plans to relieve pain and discomfort while realigning the bite into a better position. Call Boles, Ham, Dixon, and Boles today at 252-291-2892 to schedule your TMJ consultation.

Common TMJ Symptoms

Symptoms of TMJ can include:

• Chronic headaches or migraines
• Jaw pain
• Clicking or popping in the jaw
• Ear aches
• Neck, shoulder, and back pain
• Lockjaw

The trigeminal nerve runs through the temporomandibular joint, and can cause the large number of symptoms listed above. Since TMJ symptoms are not localized to the jaw, it can take a while before victims of this disorder get properly diagnosed. However, our dentists have experience recognizing the signs of TMJ, and use sophisticated equipment to check the position of the jaw and perform a diagnosis.

After TMJ is diagnosed, treatment can be started. TMJ treatment is aimed at bringing the jaw back into proper alignment in order to stop symptoms at the source. Pain medications, massage, and other home remedies can work in the short term, but we can help you find a long term solution.

TMJ Treatment Options

There are a number of different treatment options available for TMJ, depending on your unique case. We offer:

• Customized oral appliance
• Restorative dental work
• BOTOX®

An oral appliance custom-made for your jaw can help to gently bring your jaw back into alignment as you sleep. During your consultation, we use neuromuscular dentistry equipment and techniques to find the precise optimal position for your jaw. An oral appliance can then be created based on our findings to help reposition your jaw.

If your bite is misaligned due to the state of your teeth, we can recommend a full restorative dental plan to align your teeth and correct your bite. Orthodontics, dental implants, crowns, and bridges are common restorative dental procedures for TMJ treatment.

Another option we offer is Botox treatments. Botox works by relaxing the jaw muscles and relieving tension on the temporomandibular joint. If other TMJ treatment options haven’t worked, Botox may be a great option.

Why See a Dentist for TMJ?

It is not always immediately obvious to TMJ sufferers that they should see a dentist, especially since symptoms can affect more than just the jaw area. However, a dentist is actually generally considered the best type of doctor to see for problems with the temporomandibular joint.

It’s important to find a dentist who is experienced in TMJ diagnosis and treatment, and who has training in neuromuscular dentistry. In addition, if you are interested in Botox for TMJ, you should find a dentist with experience in Botox injections. Our dentists know how to inject for maximum relief while still allowing full function of the jaw and mouth.

Schedule Your TMJ Consultation

If you suspect you may be suffering from TMJ, don’t hesitate to contact Boles, Ham, Dixon, and Boles today by calling 252-291-2892. We will be happy to set up a consultation and examine you thoroughly.

We serve patients in Wilson, Greenville, Goldsboro, Rocky Mount, Raleigh, and other nearby areas of North Carolina.