TMJ Symptoms

Kremer Dental Care - TMJ and TMD - Yuba City, California

Although a number of common symptoms are indications of TMJ problems, a thorough examination must be done in order to properly diagnosis TMD. TMJ can cause discomfort not only in your jaw, but through headaches, grinding, and neck pain to name a few.

Some of the most common symptoms experienced by TMJ patients are:

  • Jaw sounds (clicking and popping) - caused by a lack of cartilage at the rear of the jaw joint, or dislocation of the joint
  • Earache/tinnitus (ringing in the ears) - occurs when pressure is put on the ear canal by the jaw joint
  • Headache - occurs when the ball of the jaw joint puts pressure on the jaw bone
  • Grinding sound – occurs as a result of an uneven bone surface at the rear of the jaw joint
  • Head/neck pain - caused by pinched nerves that are impacted by the ball of the jaw joint
  • Grinding/enamel damage - a manifestation of a subconscious desire to correct jaw misalignment, leads to grinding motion

TMJ symptoms occur when stress is placed on the jaw joint. This causes the jaw joint to be overextended and fatigued. TMJ can be treated using oral appliances, medication or surgery to correct the bite by returning it to a well-balanced position. A well-balanced position relieves the joint of unnecessary stress and allows it to function in a healthy and efficient manner.

Most often, patients find relief with minor solutions. Removable appliances can be used to gently edge the lower jaw forward into a more strategic location. Another option is using a custom-made appliance that ensures the ball-and-socket relationship is operating harmoniously.

Other TMJ symptoms include:

  • Difficulty opening or closing the mouth
  • Neck soreness
  • "Traveling" ear, head and jaw pain
  • Uncomfortable bite (where the teeth meet)
  • Difficulty chewing tough foods
  • Dizziness
  • Shoulder or back pain
  • Locking of the jaws
  • Unexplained tooth loss
  • Pain intensification during chewing, speaking or yawning
  • Vision problems
  • Light sensitivity

If you are experiences any of the symptoms commonly associated with TMJ listed above, contact Dr. Kremer and his neuromuscular team to schedule a complimentary consultation.

See some of the smile reconstruction cases we have worked on.

Before

After