Expert Treatment for TMJ Disorder in Marietta
Dr. Shaila Mohip-Chahwala is a caring family dentist in Marietta, helping patients of all ages with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. As a persistent source of aching, pain and tenderness around the jaw or ear, this condition will often present difficulties when chewing. At Shining Smiles Family Dentistry in Marietta, Dr. Mohip is mindful of the aggravation caused by TMJ disorder, and is dedicated to relieving the symptoms of TMJ.
What Is TMJ Disorder?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a hinge connecting your lower jaw to your skull. The joints allow the complex movements of the jaw by sliding in front of each ear, with muscles in the cheeks moving the lower jaw. These joints and muscles are required for countless daily tasks like biting, chewing and talking. If a problem occurs, patients can find themselves dealing with ongoing pain.
What Are the Causes of TMJ Disorder?
The causes of TMJ disorder can be varied, and may not always be immediately obvious. Dr. Mohip will take great care to identify the issue during a consultation at our Marietta dental practice. Commonly, the disorder is a minor issue that causes inflammation and soreness due to straining the muscle or joints used during jaw movement.
More serious cases of TMJ may involve jaw misalignment, dislocation and even arthritis. If you have experienced an impact to the face or jaw, there may be a dislocation that impedes movement of the joints. Additionally, tissue damage or muscle pain could be at fault. If you feel any pain at all, make an appointment at Shining Smiles and we can work out exactly what is wrong.
What Treatments Are Available for TMJ Disorder?
Depending on the issue causing TMJ disorder, Dr. Mohip will recommend an appropriate treatment. We will make sure you are comfortable during any TMJ treatment we provide. In some cases, applying ice to the jaw, taking medication, or adjusting your diet to reduce the pressure on the joints can be enough.
At Shining Smiles, we also use an oral appliance to correct misalignment of the jaw. This non-invasive and comfortable treatment ensures the jaw is falling back into its correct position during movement. Dr. Mohip will put you at ease with her patient and gentle approach to dentistry, no matter the restorative dental treatment service provided.
Common Questions About TMJ Disorder
What are some issues that increase the chances of getting TMJ disorder?
If you have arthritis, have suffered a jaw injury, regularly grind your teeth, or have a family history of the condition, you may have a greater chance of developing TMJ disorder.
How will my dentist diagnose TMJ disorder?
Various techniques will be used to diagnose the condition, including discussing your symptoms, observing what happens when your jaw moves, plus a careful physical examination of affected areas. Dr. Mohip may also use diagnostic imaging for a detailed view of the joints.
What are common TMJ symptoms?
The most common signs and symptoms patients experience with TMJ are a combination of the following. They include painful clicking or popping in the jaw that doesn’t go away, a change in the way the upper and lower teeth come together, stiffness, numbness or tingling in the jaw area, ear pain (because of radiating pain and the TMJ being located close to the ear) and the inability to completely open and close your mouth.
Are There Any TMJ Disorder Specialists Near Me?
If you are experiencing the signs of TMJ disorder, don’t hesitate to contact Shining Smiles Family Dentistry. We can help treat the condition from our dental office in Marietta. To find out more, call Dr. Mohip-Chahwala at (770) 420-8550 or request an appointment now.