801-756-0900Distress, discomfort, or inflammation in the temporomandibular joints that hinge your jaw can cause pain or persistent aches near the temples or in front of the ears. People suffering from TMJ disorder might also experience pain within the joint when biting down and applying pressure with the jaw muscles. A little bit of clicking in the temporomandibular joints is not a standalone symptom but it could accompany other TMJ disorder symptoms.
Many times, Dr. Carl McMillan will advocate a two-stage treatment strategy to improve temporomandibular discomfort. This often starts with simple lifestyle modifications, such as eating softer foods, using hot or cold packs, or taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication.
If we suspect your TMJ discomfort is linked to chronic night grinding, we might recommend sleeping with a quality night guard in your mouth. This will help alleviate tension in the joints and protect your teeth from minor dental fractures on the biting surfaces.
If lifestyle modification fails to achieve significant symptom relief, Dr. Carl McMillan might advocate more proactive or invasive treatment measures. This could include taking prescription medications, using a stabilization stint, or even having surgical intervention. The method he advocates will be based on your symptoms and the unique details of your temporomandibular joints.
If you live in the American Fork, Utah, area and you’ve been struggling with symptoms of TMJ disorder, you should call 801-756-0900 for professional diagnosis and treatment at TMJ Therapy.