What Is TMJ Disorder?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is located below your ears, connecting both sides of your skull to your lower jaw. These two joints allow your jaw to move in several directions. When issues develop with one or both of these joints, it’s called temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).
The most common symptom of TMJ disorder is recurring stiffness or pain in the jaw. Another periodic cause is bruxism, or jaw clenching and teeth grinding that can occur while you sleep. TMJ can exist in people of all ages, but it’s more common in women and individuals under the age of 40.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
When looking for signs of TMJ, there is a wide range of symptoms that you may experience. Some of these symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Earaches, stuffiness, or tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw joints
- Neck, shoulder, or back pain
- Limited movement or lock jaw
- Dizziness
- Pain, soreness, or stiffness in your jaw
- Clenching or grinding your teeth
- Pain when eating and difficulty swallowing
- Facial swelling and pain
Treatment Options
It’s important to seek treatment for TMJ at the first sign of noticeable symptoms. If the condition is left untreated, it can quickly worsen and cause more pain. If you’re experiencing any symptoms, we encourage you to seek treatment so you can live pain-free and prevent any future problems.
At your first visit, Dr. Kosinski will ask a series of questions to determine the severity of your condition and how it has affected your well-being. Once you have been properly diagnosed, our team will determine which course of treatment is well suited for your needs.
Our Bingham Farms office offers multiple treatment options for TMD, such as pain and stress management, lifestyle changes, and Myofacial Pain Treatment. This therapy is used for facial muscle pain, ear pain, or pain around the jaw joint.
If your symptoms persist, Dr. Kosinski can create a custom-fit mouthguard to protect you from clenching and grinding while you sleep. Your device may initially cause discomfort, but it will subside once your jaw adjusts to the appliance.
Alleviate Your Pain at Bingham Farms
Do you feel pain or stiffness in your jaw? Do your ears regularly hurt or ring? If you’re tired of dealing with jaw joint issues, contact our Bingham Farms office to schedule an appointment and find the solution to your TMD.
Dr. Kosinski emphasizes the importance of helping patients regain full function of their smiles through personalized treatments. Let us help alleviate joint pain and provide the relief you’re looking for. Give us a call at (248) 646-8651 to smile with ease again.
Before & Afters
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a doctor for TMJ?
We recommend that you schedule an appointment with Dr. Kosinski as soon as you notice any of the symptoms of a TMD. Even if your TMJ issues are mild now, they can get worse over time and lead to significant discomfort throughout the day.
TMDs can lead to difficulty eating, speaking, and can interfere with your daily activities. TMJ treatment can reduce the strain on your jaw joints so you won’t have to be in pain throughout the day.
What causes jaw pain when chewing?
Jaw pain is often caused by a temporomandibular disorder (TMD), a name for issues in your temporomandibular joints (TMJ). The most common symptoms of a TMD include jaw popping when you open your mouth or while chewing, jaw pain, and headaches or earaches.
The exact causes of TMJ issues vary because your jaw joints are complex areas. There are many factors that can lead to a TMD, including arthritis, injury, jaw tension, and stress.
Is ear pain when chewing or yawning normal?
No, ear pain while chewing or yawning isn’t normal. This is a common sign of a problem with your TMJ and should be looked at by a professional so you can receive a diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Kosinski can provide a convenient and comfortable solution to help ease your ear pain through TMJ treatment. This treatment can come in the form of a mouthpiece that you wear at night and also through exercises to help relax your jaw and strengthen your muscles.
Should my jaw pop when I chew?
Jaw popping while chewing isn’t always a sign of a TMD, but it’s a common indication of a disorder. If you feel pain along with the jaw popping, we recommend coming in for a consultation with Dr. Kosinski so he can help relieve your pain.
Even if you don’t feel pain now, practicing TMJ exercises may help with your jaw popping and may prevent any TMJ issues you have from getting worse. Dr. Kosinski can provide guidance on some of the best practices for TMJ relief.
Can TMJ cause hearing loss?
Yes, your jaw joints are located on either side of your head, near your ears. When there’s an issue with your TMJ, your ear may be affected. Many people feel ear pain when they have a TMD and your hearing can also be impaired.
Fortunately, if your hearing loss is caused by a TMD, treatment can provide relief for your TMJ and may help your hearing to come back.