Ignoring pain in your jaw is not a good idea, it could be indicative of more serious issues and can lead to increased symptom severity and other health problems. Specifically, temporomandibular joint pain, more commonly referred to as TMJ, can persist and get progressively worse if untreated. Pain is never a good idea to ignore especially when it can have such a strong effect on your overall health and quality of life.
Symptoms of TMJ
Patients who come to Dr. Price and Dr. Mayers with TMJ pain in Midlothian, VA exhibit a range of symptoms, including but are not limited to any or all the following:
· Pain and stiffness upon waking and throughout the day
· Facial or neck pain below the joints
· Swelling in the neck
· Stiff or strained jaw tendons
· Grinding teeth or even broken teeth
· Headaches
· Migraines
Treatments for This Condition
Medications are often recommended for early symptoms. Typically, over-the-counter solutions like ibuprofen work for mild cases. Sometimes, in more extreme cases, it may require doctor prescribed medications. As a matter of fact, studies have shown that tricyclic antidepressants may provide relief when over-the-counter medications fail. Non-medication solutions include the use of bite splints and other fitted guards to protect against tooth grinding and cushion the jaw.
Extreme cases of TMJ might even require a modest surgical intervention. This happens when the disc in the jaw has slipped and the condition cannot be corrected in any other way, and it is a last resort for patients. Often, prompt treatment can end the symptoms without the need for a surgical intervention, but every patient’s case is different.
Make an Appointment for an Evaluation
The only way to know whether your jaw pain can be treated with appliances and medication is to speak with your dentist in Midlothian, VA. After a careful review of your health, your records, and your symptoms, it will be easier to know where to start. It might even be helpful to use several treatment options at once. You won’t know until you have a conversation with Dr. Price or Dr. Mayers. Contact us today to make an appointment.