Articles

Many of our best times occur over good meals with good company, laughing, and telling stories about life’s greatest joys and accomplishments. We take the ability to comfortably talk, smile and eat for granted, expecting the action to be easy and natural. Unfortunately, there’s a disorder called TMJ (temporomandibular joint) that can change all of that, turning enjoyable experiences into uncomfortable ones. If you are suffering from pain in the jaw, it may be time to see a TMJ dentist.

What is TMJ? If you are a woman between the ages of 20-40 and are experiencing pain or tenderness in your jaw, an aching pain around your ear(s), problems chewing and other facial pain, you are at the most risk for having TMJ. Sometimes TMJ can also cause a “clicking” noise in the jaw, making it uncomfortable to even open and close your mouth. Rest assured, if your jaw makes a clicking sound and there’s no pain present, there’s likely no treatment necessary. However, always seek medical attention from a TMJ dentist if at any time new symptoms arise. Generally speaking, TMJ disorders that require medical attention will include pain and tenderness in the jaw that doesn’t subside.

What causes TMJ? Sometimes it’s unclear. However, if the disk in your jaw starts to erode or moves out of alignment, pain can eventually surface. Arthritis as well as other injuries to the jaw, like a car accident or blow to the face, can cause this painful disorder. Do you grind your teeth at night? This can also cause pain during your waking hours and beyond and may require a doctor or TMJ dentist visit to diagnose exactly why the pain is persistent. There are treatment options available to help you find relief from this disorder.

If you or a loved one is having persistent pain or soreness in your jaw, it’s time to contact a dentist with advanced training. Dr. Harvey Breckner is a TMJ dentist in Edwardsville, Illinois, who treats patients in Madison County as well as throughout the St. Louis metropolitan areas for TMJ disorders and many other dental issues, easing their discomfort so they can enjoy all that life has to offer. Often, TMJ sufferers wait weeks and sometimes months in hope that the pain and tenderness goes away on its own, only to find that it persists. Dr. Breckner can help ease your pain and correct the issue causing the problem. Don’t wait to seek relief. Contact TMJ dentist Harvey Breckner, DMD, MS at (618) 307-3267 or find him online at http://brecknerdental.com/. His comprehensive, gentle approach will ease your pain based on your individual symptoms. Contact a friendly staff member today at Dr. Breckner’s office with your TMJ questions or concerns.