Monday, 10 September 2018

Telltale Signs That You Should See An Atlanta TMJ Specialist

By Jason Lee


The hinge responsible for jaw movements is called the temporomandibular joint. It joins the skull to the jawbone making it possible for one to chew and talk. In case this joint suffers injuries or gets damaged, a patient suffers from localized pain disorder or rather TMJ syndrome. The concern is often triggered by arthritis, gum chewing, poor posture, jaw misalignment or teeth grinding. Here are signs and symptoms that would indicate a dire need to consult with a seasoned Atlanta TMJ specialist.

Research shows that over 10 million Americans suffer from temporomandibular joint syndrome. The issue causes immeasurable levels of discomfort, and it is hence crucial to seek help as soon as possible. Here are some of the signs and symptoms of TMJ.

The first warning sign is face and jaw tenderness. This is normally one of the early signs of TMJ. In the majorities of cases, the discomfort experienced can be managed with self-care and it is only temporary. It is however safe to seek the opinion of a dentist just to ensure that a serious concern is not overlooked. A competent professional would run some tests to better understand the root cause of your problems.

Most people can tell that something is amiss if they suffer from TMJ. After all, the hinge between the skull and the jawbone plays some very crucial functions. Pain is a red flag that should inform you that medical care is needed. You must not ignore aches, irrespective of whether one or both joints are affected.

The majorities of patients will also suffer from ear pains. You could experience an ache inside or around one or both ears. You could begin by seeing your primary health care provider to rule out the chances of an ear infection. If your ears are not the issue, then it could be that you are suffering from temporomandibular joint syndrome.

Whenever the jaw is affected, a patient will find it challenging to chew. You can also tell that something is amiss if the joint in your mouth locks up making it difficult for you to close or open your mouth. If you notice these signs and symptoms, the best thing to do is to see a specialist and get the much needed help.

Finally, you have reason to raise an eyebrow if your jaw is clicking. One of the red flags to look out for is grating feeling or clicking sound when closing or opening your mouth or when chewing. Whether the jaw movements are limited or you are experiencing some level of pain, it would be necessary to get the issue properly diagnosed.

There are various ways of treating TMJ. After running some physical tests, the expert can tell the exact source of your discomfort or pain and advice about the best way forward. Depending on the issues that are identified, you could get anti-inflammatory prescriptions or get referred to a chiropractor. When dealing with severe issues, the doctor could on the other hand recommend temporomandibular joint replacement or dental surgery.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment