5 Signs You May Need to Visit a TMJ Dentist

TMJ, or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, is a condition where the hinge of the jaw does not work properly and it requires the services of a specialized TMJ dentist to rectify. But how does one recognize it? And how can a TMJ dentist help? TMJ is often characterized by pain or popping sounds in the jaw when attempting to open or close the mouth.

Here are five more signs that indicate you might need to see a specialized TMJ dentist:

1. Pain in the area of the jaw, head or face

TMJ causes intense and throbbing pain in your jaw and face. This pain can occur at any time of the day, and it can prevent you from sleeping well at night. If you experience such pain often, you may want to consider visiting your dentist for an examination. Knowing what is causing you pain makes treating the condition easier and more effective.

2. Headaches that are similar to migraines

If you experience frequent headaches that can be compared to migraines in intensity, you may be suffering from TMJ. Frequent headaches are never a good sign, but if they coincide with jaw pain, jaw stiffness or facial tenderness they may be a sign that you are suffering from more than just dehydration, the leading cause of headaches. If you notice you have a pattern of migraine-like headaches, consider seeing a TMJ dentist.

3. Tender jaw muscles

Jaw muscles tell a lot about the health of the structure when they are in pain. Tenderness in the jaw area usually is caused by some kind of strain on the muscles or joints themselves. If your jaw aches when you wake up in the morning, schedule an appointment with a TMJ dentist.

4. Your jaw gets stuck or feels out of place

Waking up with a stiff jaw once in a blue moon is not always cause for alarm. However, waking up frequently with a stiff jaw, or developing one throughout the day, is a sign that something is wrong. Not to mention, it is one of the major symptoms of TMJ. If your jaw is stiff, feels locked up or is out of place, your best course of action would be to see a TMJ dentist.

5. You hear popping, clicking or cracking sounds when using your jaw

Perhaps the biggest and most telling sign that you may have a TMJ-related issue is if you have trouble opening your jaw without hearing sounds. If you experience discomfort and hear a popping, clicking or even cracking sound upon opening your jaw, it is possible you are suffering from TMJ. This is especially the case if the patient is experiencing pain. If this pain occurs often, call a TMJ dentist as soon as possible and set up an appointment.

Jaw discomfort is never something that is easy to live with. It can make sleeping difficult, hit you in the morning, or make your afternoons feel even longer than they already do. If you experience facial pain, tenderness in your jaw, headaches, jaw stiffness, or difficulty opening your jaw, contact Gables Exceptional Dentistry to find out more about what a TMJ dentist can do for you. Call our Coral Gables dental office at (305) 203-4132.