Jaw pain, clicking sounds when you chew, and frequent headaches can be more than just a temporary annoyance. TMJ disorders affect the way your jaw moves and can make simple things, like eating or speaking, uncomfortable. Dr. Hunter and Dr. Hunter Jr. help patients at Charvet Dental Center in Metairie find relief by identifying the cause of their symptoms and recommending personalized treatment options.
What Is TMJ?
Your jaw is a complex system of joints, muscles, and ligaments working together every time you chew, talk, or even yawn. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is at the center of it all, acting as a hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. When it’s functioning properly, you don’t give it a second thought. But when something goes wrong, you’ll feel it, and sometimes in ways you wouldn’t expect.
TMJ disorders can cause more than just jaw pain. Symptoms might show up as:
- Discomfort in your jaw, face, or ears
- A clicking, popping, or grinding sound when moving your jaw
- Trouble fully opening or closing your mouth
- Stiffness, especially first thing in the morning
- Frequent headaches or neck tension
- A bite that suddenly feels misaligned
For some, these symptoms come and go, showing up as a mild annoyance. For others, TMJ can be a daily struggle that affects everything from eating to speaking. No matter where you fall on that spectrum, relief is possible with the right approach, and it is important to know what to ask your dentist to get to the bottom of the issue.
What Causes TMJ?
TMJ disorders don’t come from just one source. There’s no single trigger that affects everyone the same way. Instead, several underlying issues can contribute, sometimes stacking on top of each other to create persistent discomfort.
- Teeth grinding and clenching – Stress has a way of creeping into your body, often showing up as unconscious jaw clenching or teeth grinding. Over time, this repeated pressure strains the jaw muscles and joints.
- Bite misalignment – When your teeth don’t fit together properly, your jaw compensates, leading to uneven stress on the joints. Over time, that imbalance can cause pain and stiffness.
- Injury or trauma – A direct hit to the jaw, whether from an accident or sports injury, can lead to lasting TMJ issues. Even if the pain wasn’t immediate, damage from past trauma can surface later.
- Arthritis – Just like the joints in your knees or hands, the temporomandibular joint can develop inflammation and stiffness, making movement more difficult.
Even something as simple as daily stress can play a role. Tension has a sneaky way of working its way into your muscles, often leading to clenched jaws without you even realizing it. Over time, that constant strain can turn into full-blown TMJ symptoms.
How Is TMJ Diagnosed?
Figuring out whether TMJ is the source of your discomfort isn’t always straightforward. Since symptoms can overlap with other issues like sinus pressure, ear infections, or even dental problems, getting a proper diagnosis is important. The sooner you understand what’s going on, the sooner you can find relief.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
If TMJ is a possibility, Dr. Hunter and Dr. Hunter Jr. at Charvet Dental Center will start by assessing your jaw’s movement and function. This typically includes:
- A physical exam – Checking for tenderness, limited motion, or any unusual clicking or popping sounds when you open and close your mouth are all important parts of a dental exam.
- X-rays – A closer look at your jaw structure can help identify any joint abnormalities.
- A bite analysis – If misalignment is part of the problem, evaluating how your teeth fit together can provide valuable insight.
- Impressions or scans – In some cases, a more detailed view of your bite and jaw position is needed to pinpoint the cause of the issue.
Since TMJ symptoms can mimic other conditions, ruling out other potential causes is just as important as confirming the diagnosis. A clear understanding of what’s triggering your discomfort will guide the best treatment approach moving forward.
Find Relief at Charvet Dental Center in Metairie
TMJ pain doesn’t have to be part of your daily life. Whether your symptoms are mild or severe, the right treatment can make a big difference. Dr. Hunter and Dr. Hunter Jr. are here to help you find solutions that work for you without unnecessary procedures or guesswork.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward relief, schedule a consultation with Charvet Dental Center today in our Metairie office.