It is usually hard to determine the precise cause of TMJ disorder. Issues affecting the temporomandibular joint may originate from different potential causes, and ascertaining the right cause can help determine the course of treatment. Jaw injury is a common cause of TMJ disorder, but the condition does not develop immediately after the injury; in fact, it could be years after.
TMJ is a complicated condition and many factors can contribute to it. A jaw injury can cause TMJ disorder. Another aspect is the event following the injury.
If the injury caused a situation like dislocation of the jaw joint, the body would attempt to adapt to the situation. During the adaptation process, the muscles will need to behave differently from how they used to. These changes can make it difficult for the muscles to return to their normal resting state.
The attempt to return to the rest position is what makes the muscles tense and sore, and facial pain is a common symptom of TMJ disorder. However, it is not just about the pain; the muscles could also cause teeth grinding, which may lead to severe tooth wear. The condition can put stress on the jaw joints, causing the cushioning disc in that joint to deteriorate or become permanently dislocated. The bone around the area may even start to suffer as well.
Without professional treatment, the muscles will keep trying to adapt, causing new symptoms to develop. Other signs of the condition may take years to appear.
In some cases, the symptoms may appear soon after the jaw injury, but they are often barely noticeable or hardly serious. Jaw clicking or popping, for instance, may be overlooked for years, particularly if there is no pain or the discomfort is minor.
Sometimes, the symptoms may occur intermittently. Constant jaw activity may lead to the aggravation of symptoms like ear pain, tinnitus or headache. However, if the patient decides to rest and resort to a soft diet, the symptoms disappear again.
Some situations might push a patient to realize the severity of the symptoms and the need for professional attention. After a couple of recurrences, they might realize that the signs indicate a condition that only flares occasionally. Or, the symptoms may become regular or so severe that they can no longer be ignored.
Since TMJ has many signs that can show up in different areas of the body, it is easy to make a wrong diagnosis. Patients with TMJ might be told that the condition is a migraine, primary tension headache, or Meniere’s disease.
Misdiagnosis is possible is common if the accident also leads to other injuries. For example, a patient might be suspected of suffering a head injury in the accident that caused the jaw injury. Therefore, the doctor might recommend a treatment for head injuries when jaw treatment is required, either alone or in conjunction with the head treatment.
A jaw injury can cause TMJ disorder, but early intervention can help prevent the condition from worsening. The Valley Neighborhood Dental Center team is here to help you get the relief you need. Call our Palmer office to learn more or to schedule a consultation.
Request an appointment here: https://www.vndak.com or call Valley Neighborhood Dental Center at (907) 745-1966 for an appointment in our Palmer office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: TMJ in Palmer, AK.
Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders, also commonly referred to as TMJ, are a group of conditions that cause pain as well as dysfunction in the jaw joint and the muscles that control the movement of the jaw. Although it is not fully known how many people have TMJ disorders, it is estimated that millions of…
You may not think much about TMJ disorder unless a dentist diagnoses you with it. This is a serious condition that can cause much pain and discomfort. Untreated, this disorder can make it difficult to chew and even speak. Instead of suffering and being in agony, you can speak to your dentist. Fortunately, relief is…
TMJ disorder affects the joints on either side of the head, both of which connect to the jaw. When there is any sort of dysfunction, the result is a disorder, which is often diagnosed, treated and managed by a general dentist. Understanding the cause of the TMJ disorder helps the dentist determine the appropriate course…
One of the concerns parents often have about their children is the need to get a dental x-ray at the family dentist. The worry stems from the safety of x-rays and radiation exposure. Some parents think x-rays are not required until the child has permanent teeth. Continue reading to know when to take your child…
One of the concerns parents often have about their children is the need to get…
Teeth straightening is a common treatment that dentists offer to enhance one's smile and improve…
Knowing when to see an emergency dentist is crucial for addressing dental issues promptly and…
Gum grafting is a procedure that is performed to protect a person's teeth from the…
A broken tooth can be the result of biting into something too hard, especially if…
Wisdom tooth extraction is often necessary in order to promote good oral health.
