Have you been experiencing jaw pain? If so, you may have a condition referred to as temporomandibular joint and muscular disorder. That may sound like a mouthful of words, which is why many people refer to this condition as TMJ. The type of pain people experience with this condition can range from moderate to severe. Most people find the pain unbearable enough to go to a doctor for a diagnosis. If you have unexplained jaw pain, you need to schedule a visit with your physician. TMJ in Grove City, PA that is treated in a timely manner improves the chances of patients being able to live normal lives. The longer you wait, the more likely you may need extreme interventions such as surgery.
Early intervention for TMJ in Grove City, PA may include using a mouthpiece. Patients usually wear the mouthpiece during their sleep times, but some people have TMJ that causes so much pain, their doctors recommend wearing their mouthpieces all day. They may only remove them when they are eating or performing dental hygiene tasks such as brushing or flossing their teeth.
Untreated TMJ may cause problems with dental health. Patients may be tempted not to brush or floss their teeth out of fear of pain. TMJ may also negatively impact eating habits. This is why a diagnosis is important. Some people may mistakenly attribute their pain to eating certain foods. The pain experienced from this condition does not have to be consistent. Many people report having intermittent pain.
Perhaps you are nervous about whether or not you have TMJ in Grove City, PA. The diagnosis process if fairly simple, and best of all, it is painless. The doctor will need to perform an oral examination. X-rays will also need to be taken to confirm TMJ diagnosis. Other tests may be ordered to rule out other conditions.
If you have TMJ in Grove City, PA, your treatment will consist of stabilizing your jaw bones. Doctors generally try non-invasive methods to treat the condition. Patients who are unresponsive to mouthpieces and other interventions may be recommended for surgical procedures. It is important to report changes in your condition to your doctor. For example, you may notice that your jaw bones click. This is a sign of tissue hardening.
