TMJ - Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

Implant, Esthetic and Reconstructive Dentistry

What is TMJ?

If you place your fingers besides your ears, then open and close your mouth, you can feel your temporomandibular joint. It’s the ball and socket joint that connects your jaw to your skull, and it’s incredibly important.

This joint sits at the nexus point of an elaborate network of bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons and nerves.  For this network to operate in harmony, everything has to be exactly right. When something is awry, pain and discomfort rarely stays localized.

If you’re suffering from chronic tension headaches or migraines that don’t respond to pain relievers or any other treatments, you’re probably desperate to make them stop. These headaches can be debilitating.

 

TMJ Symptoms

When you suffer from a jaw or bite alignment problem, the temporomandibular joint becomes irritated from the stress of trying to adjust. Over time, this strain and irritation accumulates and grows severe.

The big issue here is that these conditions don’t stay confined to the jaw area. Aside from headaches, common TMJ symptoms include:

  • Clicking Jaw
  • Ringing Ears
  • Changes in Your Bite
  • Neck Pain
  • Shoulder Pain
  • Facial Pain

TMJ Treatment

Unfortunately, TMJ is often confused with other conditions, as headaches can have several other causes. The good news is that our dentist is equipped to diagnose your condition, then treat it through the use of dental restorations that adjust your bite to a more natural, relaxed position. 

Dr. Phelps will be happy to answer your questions regarding TMJ and treatment options.

If you’re suffering from chronic headaches in the Indianapolis, Indiana area, TMJ might be the cause. Please call Dr. John Phelps at 317-818-9858 or contact us online.

However, if you’re like many of our Indianapolis patients, you might not have considered the possibility that your headaches are the result of a bite or jaw alignment issue. Indeed, you might be suffering from a  temporomandibular joint disorder or TMD. Many people  simply say TMJ when referring to any discomfort that might be associated with these joints.

Dr. John Phelps is committed to helping you find the cause of your headaches and then eliminate them. If you have TMJ, Dr. Phelps  can diagnose it, then help you find a solution. 

If you live in the Indianapolis, Indiana area and you want to know if your chronic headaches are caused by TMJ, please call Dr. John Phelps at 317-818-9858.