15
Jul
5 Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ Pain
When did you last eat, speak, and yawn without jaw pain or soreness? Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a common condition that affects the two hinge-like joints on either side of the face. This condition causes numerous unpleasant symptoms, affecting your everyday life.
Las Cruces Dental Associates, PC is excited to offer TMJ pain treatment to patients in and around Las Cruces, New Mexico. Many patients experience relief after a few days and regret why they waited so long to seek treatment.
1. What is TMJ pain?
Everyone has two joints on the side of the face that help you to move your jaws. Your TMJs move hundreds of times daily, allowing you to chew, yawn, speak, etc. Unfortunately, these jaw joints can be strained or inflamed, resulting in several unwanted symptoms. Although the exact cause of TMJ pain is unknown, teeth grinding, bite misalignment, arthritis, injuries, etc., have been linked to TMJ pain.
2. How do I know I have TMJ pain?
TMD symptoms can vary from mild to severe. Whatever the severity, TMJ pain can affect your everyday life, making treatment a priority.
The following are the common symptoms of TMJ pain.
Any pain is a sign something is wrong in the body. Don’t spend another day in pain. Visit your Las Cruces TMJ dentist for pain relief. Soon, you’ll eat, talk, and smile without thinking about it!
- Tension headaches
- Jaw pain, soreness, or tenderness
- The jaw joints clicking, popping, or locking regularly
- Pain in the face, shoulders, and upper back
- Pain that feels like an earache
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
Any pain is a sign something is wrong in the body. Don’t spend another day in pain. Visit your Las Cruces TMJ dentist for pain relief. Soon, you’ll eat, talk, and smile without thinking about it!
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New Patients: (575) 339-1838 | Existing Patients: (575) 523-1479
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3. How is TMJ dysfunction diagnosed?
Diagnosing TMJ pain is no easy task. Its symptoms often mimic those of other common conditions like earaches, sinus infections, tension headaches, and toothaches. Because of this overlap, it’s easy for TMJ disorders to go undetected or misdiagnosed. That’s why seeking an experienced TMJ dentist is essential.
A skilled TMJ dentist understands the complexity of the jaw joints and the many structures around them. They look beyond surface-level symptoms and piece together the puzzle through a thorough evaluation. The dentist assesses your jaw joints through digital imaging, bite analysis, palpation of the jaw muscles, etc.
The right dentist will not just treat the symptoms—they will uncover the root cause and guide you toward lasting relief.
4. How is TMJ disorder treated?
Several factors cause TMJ pain, so treatment varies. The dentist will likely recommend a customized nightguard to reduce teeth grinding and allow the jaw joints to relax and heal over time. This oral appliance protects teeth from bruxism-induced damage and improves TMJ pain symptoms after a few days of consistent wear. Other TMJ pain treatments include jaw rehabilitation, lifestyle changes, orthodontics, and medications. Surgery is rarely needed.
5. Is the treatment permanent?
It depends on the root cause of the condition and the treatment approach. Treatments such as nightguards, bite splints, orthodontics, or physical therapy can significantly reduce or eliminate symptoms. When paired with lifestyle changes—like stress management or jaw exercises—some patients find their pain never returns.
Ready for TMJ pain treatment near Las Cruces, NM?
Looking for headache or jaw pain relief? Las Cruces Dental Associates, PC would love to help. Call (575) 339-1838 and schedule an appointment with our doctors. Although TMJ pain is sneaky, it’s no match for our treatments.
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Las Cruces Dental Associates, PC
Dr. Mario Samaniego, DDS, is a highly respected dentist with over 30 years of experience. Originally from El Paso, Texas, he pursued his dental education at Loma Linda University and further honed his skills with specialized training in the USAF. In 1984, he founded thriving practices in Las Cruces and Alamogordo, New Mexico. Dr. Samaniego is renowned for his expertise in TMJ treatment, orthodontics, and cosmetic dentistry, and is among a select group practicing Bio Esthetic Dentistry. Recognized as one of America’s top dentists, he is also dedicated to supporting education through scholarships for students.