The Temporomandibular Joint, or TMJ is a complex musculo-skeletal hinge joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull and allows your jaw to rotate and function for speaking, eating, and normal activities. When you have pain or discomfort to chewing, stress, eating, or if you hear clicking sounds when you move your jaw, this may indicate a problem with the joint. Pain, an uneven bite, headaches, or grinding are often associated with a dental disorder known as TMJ Disorder or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder. Temporomandibular Joint Disorder occurs when the muscles around the lower jaw or the joint space and components have inflammation as a result of trauma, asymmetry, overuse, or stress. This disorder is can be mild, moderate or severe and is more common than most people think. It can be easy to manage through careful screening and treatment. Dr. Mark Galli can provide information and care for patients with TMJ in Encinitas.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder occurs when the muscles and bones that control your jaw are out of alignment. There are many different medical reasons for this condition, and most respond well to treatment. Injury, stress, inadequate dental work, loss of teeth, grinding, crooked teeth, unneven bite, medications, pregnancy or oral habits can cause inflammation in the tissues of the TMJ. Inflammatory Systemic conditions such as Arthritis or Lupus can also contribute to joint inflammation. Even subconscious nighttime habits such as teeth clenching or grinding can negatively impact your jaw and muscles as well.
All of these conditions can lead to irritation of the joint and muscles, which can cause painful chewing and jaw soreness. This pain mimics other conditions so it is essential that you visit Dr. Galli to ensure that your pain is correctly diagnosed and treated.
In order to find out if you have TMJdisorder, you should see Dr Galli if you have symptoms that seem related to this problem. There are many different symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder. If you find yourself struggling to open your mouth or chew food without some degree of pain or discomfort, this may indicate joint pain relating to TMJ disorder. Also, if you find that when you open your mouth, you hear a clicking noise, this can be a sign as well. Pain or general soreness around the ear and lower jaw, uneven bite or ringing in the ears can also be signs. For you to best know what those signs mean, you should visit Dr. Galli and have him examine the area. He can provide you with answers about your symptoms and options for treatment.
There are many treatments for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, but it depends on what is causing the inflammation, so diagnosis is imperative. The most common treatments are soft diet, pain medication, and a bite guard. Sometimes the problem is more complex and may require changing the bite using dental treatment. Depending on your case, Dr. Galli may recommend one or more of these treatments. If your pain and discomfort impacts your life, he might prescribe some medications to relieve the discomfort of having TMJ disorder. If the TMJ symptoms result from poor bite or other dental issues, he may advise you to have orthodontic treatment performed once the inflammation has resolved. Dental appliances can also be used to alleviate the discomfort during the day or night. During a consultation, Dr. Galli will examine your teeth and mouth and recommend the best option for treating your TMJ symptoms.
If you are tired of suffering from the effects of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, Dr. Mark Galli offers treatment and education about TMJ. Call his office today at 760.943.1449 to book an appointment or contact his friendly staff online to learn more.
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