Patients diagnosed with TMJ often experience chronic jaw pain, headaches and other symptoms that affect the neck, upper body and jaw. Absolute Smile specialize in the treatment of jaw problems. They can determine whether you need an occlusal adjustment (bite adjustment) or other nonsurgical treatments to relieve tightness and pain around the jaw.
Identifying TMJ Symptoms
Some of the most common TMJ symptoms include:
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Headaches or migraines
- Swelling on one side of the face
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Toothaches
- Difficulty chewing or opening the mouth wide
- Dizzy spells
How Bruxism Damages Your Teeth
If you grind your teeth often, you may notice that your teeth are worn down or have become damaged. You may also suffer the effects of a bite misalignment as the teeth start to shift or drift out of position. Reducing stress, avoiding alcoholic beverages and refraining from chewing on items other than food can prevent bruxism in some patients.
Effective Relief from Jaw Pain
Patients experiencing a significant amount of jaw pain may benefit from a bite adjustment to correct a misaligned bite. In some cases, performing exercises to stretch the neck muscles and breaking any bad habits such as teeth grinding can effectively reduce pain.
