Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders affect up to 12 million people yearly in the United States. While mild cases of TMJ may not bother you much, the condition can worsen over time when left untreated.
Have you been plagued by jaw pain lately? Visit Kenn Kakosian, DDS, PhD, and the team at DentAlign NYC in Midtown East, Manhattan, New York, to take advantage of our expert dental care that can diagnose your jaw pain, ease your discomfort, and prevent it from returning.
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction is common in adults, and symptoms can vary widely. The following may indicate a problem with TMJ:
These symptoms may be mild to severe. Some of the symptoms listed could indicate additional medical concerns, so it’s important to get checked out by a professional to confirm that your jaw pain is related to TMJ.
There are many possible causes of TMJ pain, and the condition is more common in women. The following may increase your risk of developing TMJ:
Ways to lower the risk of TMJ pain include wearing a mouthguard when playing sports or at night if you grind your teeth. Minimizing stress also helps.
It’s important to know that temporomandibular joint dysfunction is treatable, and it rarely causes lasting problems if you take care of your jaw. Left untreated, TMJ symptoms may worsen.
Consider seeing Dr. Kakosian at DentAlign NYC anytime you suspect you have TMJ based on your symptoms, especially if they’re ongoing or painful. If TMJ doesn’t bother you, you might not need treatment. However, he offers preventive methods that reduce the risk of developing TMJ or worsening symptoms.
During your visit, Dr. Kakosian examines your jaw as you open and close your mouth and may order digital X-rays or other imaging procedures to diagnose your condition and its severity.
Treatment options for TMJ include:
It’s helpful to avoid smoking, chewing on hard objects, and using your teeth as tools. Dr. Kakosian follows up to ensure your TMJ treatment is effective and offers lasting relief.
Ease your jaw pain or prevent worsening TMJ symptoms by scheduling an evaluation with Dr. Kakosian at DentAlign NYC by phone or online today.
