The temporomandibular joints connect the jawbone to the skull. Located at the sides of the head near each ear, these joints play an essential role in eating, speaking, and making facial expressions. In fact, the tmj joint is one of the most frequently used and complex joints in the entire body.
TMJ symptoms can happen when the temporomandibular joints stop working properly. This can happen for many reasons and result in chronic ear pain, jaw stiffness and soreness, difficulty opening the mouth, jaw popping or jaw clicking, and neck pain migraine headaches. Sufferers of TMJ pain may experience either sharp pain or a dull, constant ache.
These symptoms can help physicians effectively give TMJ treatment options for sufferers of TMJ pain, based on each patient’s unique needs. General dentists, are typically sought for TMJ diagnosis and care. These health care professionals can provide more information on what causes the condition, how it is treated, and other TMJ topics.