The jawbone is closely complexly connected to your skull; consequently, having a temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ, can cause several significant health problems. At Rockwall Oral Surgery, we find that some symptoms are more apparently related than others, and in many cases, patients would not even think to put two and two together until they seek professional TMJ relief.
What is TMJ?
Pain in your mandible or jawbone typically happens when there is a misalignment due to various underlying reasons. Sometimes the symptoms just pop up for no apparent reason; however, there is almost always a root cause for the discomfort. This condition is often painful and can include symptoms such as popping or clicking of the jaw when you eat or open your mouth to yawn, painful earaches, migraines, ringing in the ears, locking of the jaw, joint pain, and an uneven bite.
TMJ is not always easy to diagnose because many of its symptoms can be attributed to a number of other conditions. Because it affects areas of your body that seem completely unrelated to the jawbone, consulting with an experienced oral surgeon is often the most effective way to reach an accurate diagnosis.
Some Unusual Causes of TMJ
While many studies conclude that stress or anxiety triggers jaw tension, these are often contributing factors rather than the structural root cause. A misalignment in the jawbone is usually the result of other physical factors. Some of the most unusual ones include:
- Chewing Gum: There is ample evidence that continually chewing gum can be a leading cause of TMJ. The repetitive, forceful motion can cause the mandible to pop out of place and lead to chronic inflammation.
- Arthritis: The joint that connects the jawbone to the skull is like any other joint in your body. If you suffer from systemic arthritis, the temporomandibular joint can also become weak, eroded, and painful.
- Genetics: Some scientific research suggests that TMJ could be hereditary, meaning the structural shape of your jaw or your predisposition to joint issues could run in the family.
Understanding Your Treatment Options
Beyond these unusual triggers, TMJ can also stem from previous facial trauma or long-term tooth misalignment. When the teeth do not meet properly, the jaw muscles must work overtime to compensate, leading to the “tired” or “aching” feeling many patients describe. If non-invasive methods like mouthguards or physical therapy do not provide sufficient TMJ relief, it may be time to look into specialized oral procedures.
Modern advancements in dental technology allow us to look deeper into the joint’s function. In some complex cases, minor surgical interventions or joint injections are necessary to repair the underlying structural damage. Addressing these issues early can prevent long-term wear on your teeth and permanent damage to the joint cartilage. Our team specializes in identifying whether your pain is muscular or structural, ensuring you receive a customized plan rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.
The good news is that in most cases, TMJ is a manageable condition that can be resolved with something as simple as a custom mouthguard. In other cases, additional treatment is needed to restore full functionality. If you are struggling with persistent jaw pain, the experts at Rockwall Oral Surgery are here to help you find a lasting solution.