801-756-0900The temporomandibular joints, are complex ball and socket joints that hinge your jaw. More commonly known as TMJ they allow you to chew food, speak and they are even involved with making certain facial expressions.
The TMJ joints works in concert with a series of muscles and ligaments. Each TMJ joint has a small disk of cartilage, that allows the joint to slip a little so you can chew and grind food.
Pain or discomfort in these joints is often referred to as TMJ disorder. Chronic night grinding puts undue tension on the TMJ joints and jaw muscles. This can easily lead to chronic inflammation issues in the joint. TMJ disorder can also be caused by arthritis, a past dislocation of the TMJ joints or abnormal muscle tension and pain.
Common symptoms of TMJ a pain when opening your mouth, or biting down, soreness in the jaw early in the morning and a persistent dull ache in front of the ears or near the temples.
If you experience any of the symptoms of TMJ disorder, you should let your dentist know during your regular dental checkup.
If your dentist suspects, you are developing TMJ disorder, they will often refer you to a physician or other specialist to confirmation diagnosis and explore your treatment options.
If you have questions or concerns about TMJ disorder, please call us at 801-756-0900 to schedule an appointment.