Do You Have TMJ? Consider These Symptoms
While the symptoms of TMJ disorder will differ from person to person, there are many that most patients will suffer from. Before assuming you have TMJ disorder, check this list of common symptoms to see if you have any of them:
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Snoring
- Jaw pain
- Migraines
- Bruxism
- Worn or chipped teeth
- Facial, neck, shoulder, and back pain
- Popping or clicking noises when opening and closing the jaw
- Chronic headaches, especially in the morning
- Vertigo or dizziness
- Tingling finger of numbness
If you have three or more TMJ symptoms, you likely have TMJ. However, it’s also possible that you have symptoms you haven’t noticed or have discounted. If you have any of these symptoms and they are affecting your life, consider TMJ as a potential cause. TMJ is especially likely if other treatments you’ve tried aren’t working.
Treating Your TMJ
When it comes to treatment, many physicians and even dentists will either opt to treat the symptoms or rely on surgery to fix the misaligned jaw. However, with advances in neuromuscular dentistry, dentists now have the ability to treat the source that is causing TMJ symptoms. This approach is much more conservative and is proven to work reliably for many patients. Dr. Berry favors this approach and will work with each and every patient to pinpoint and treat the cause of TMJ symptoms. He will use advanced technologies like the TENS systems to examine your jaw and determine where your ideal bite is.
Using a neuromuscular orthotic, also called a bite splint, Dr. Berry will then adjust your bite to the new ideal position. This ensures that the jaw bone and joints are in proper alignment which means proper balance and total relaxation for the TMJ. The bite splint is a great method to getting rid of TMD symptoms that cause pain and discomfort for so many dental patients today.
In order to offer the best treatment for your needs, Dr. Berry also has the training necessary to use BOTOX ® as a treatment option for TMJ. Tension in your facial muscles can pull your jaw out of alignment. By targeting these muscles and allowing them to relax, BOTOX ® relieves your pain at the source.
Protect Your Teeth, Your Health, and Your Physical Well-Being with Dr. Berry
Dr. Berry is experienced in diagnosing and treating TMJ for patients of all ages and health conditions. Don’t force yourself to experience daily headaches and jaw pain because of TMJ.
Contact our office by calling (303) 691-0267. If it is more convenient for you, patients can also use our online contact form to schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you!
TMJ Video Illustrations
The following video clips were made, using frozen cadaver specimens, by Dr. Per Westesson at the University of Rochester School of Medicine.
