Disorders affecting the jaw joint, or temporomandibular joint, occur as a result of problems arising in the facial muscles, jaw or joints responsible for talking and eating. Often referred to as TMDs, and sometimes mistakenly as TMJs, these disorders can be painful and irritating, although exact causes of the disorders are unclear.
Injury to the jaw muscles, or muscles of the head and neck, have been a cause of TMD but it is not necessarily a head or neck trauma that causes them. Other possible causes include teeth grinding, dislocation of soft cushion in the jaw joint, arthritis and even possibly stress, which can cause a tightening of the muscles.
The main symptom of problems arising in the jaw joint is pain, usually around the face, neck and shoulders. Other indicators are an inability to open the mouth or a jaw that locks or gets stuck in the open or closed positions. Swelling in the face or a difficulty eating or chewing could be tell tale signs of TMD.
A Bootle dentist will be able to check for signs of TMD during a routine check up. They can do this by feeling for swelling in the face or neck and listening for clicking or popping in the joints as they move. If TMD is suspected they will be able to recommend and MRI or CT scan to gain a better understanding of the exact problem. The dentist may also refer the patient on to an oral surgeon who will be better equipped to offer specific surgical treatments.
Even though an impacted tooth may not bother you for years, it may start to erupt at any time. If it only breaks part way through the gum, you may wind up with an increased number of infections and other problems. For example, you may wind up with jaw pain and swollen lymph nodes. If you are having issues with an impacted tooth, your Everton dentist can usually extract it right in the office.