Many people who suffer from such seemingly disparate symptoms as headaches, earaches, tenderness of the jaw joints or muscles, or dull aching facial pain often share a common problem.  These people may suffer from a family of problems related to the jaw muscles and the jaw (temporomandibular, or "TMJ") joint.  These problems are often referred to a s TMJ disorders.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS of TM DISORDERS

TMJ Disorders have many signs and symptoms.  Some of the most common ones include the following:

• Pain in or around the ear, sometimes spreading to the face.
• Tenderness of the jaw muscles.
• Clicking or popping noise when one opens or closes the mouth.
• Difficulty in opening one's mouth.
• Jaws that "get stuck," "lock," or "go out."
• Pain brought on my yawning, chewing or opening the mouth widely.
• Certain types of headaches or neck aches.

The dentist can recommend a course of treatment by taking a complete history, conducting a clinical examination and by taking appropriate X-rays, or perhaps other diagnostic tests.  To the extent that the causes of your TM disorder can be identified, proper diagnosis is an important step before treatment.  It can save time and money by ensuring that you receive the treatment appropriate for your particular problem.

Call us today at 724-437-5010 for an evaluation if you think you suffer from a TMJ disorder.