What Is Causing My Jaw Pain?

Periodic jaw pain can be caused by several factors. For instance, regularly clenching or grinding your teeth can lead to persistent jaw pain. An abscessed tooth can also cause pain in the jaw area. There can be other causes of jaw pain, as well, but one of the most common sources of jaw pain is TMJ disorder. This condition is associated with irritation of the joints connecting the jawbone to the skull and can be quite painful. Dr. Kevin Midkiff is your Lynchburg, VA dentist for diagnosis and treatment of jaw pain, including pain caused by TMJ disorder.

TMJ Disorder

TMJ disorder is a condition in which the temporomandibular joints become irritated. TMJ is short for temporomandibular joint and refers to the joints on either side of the face where the jawbone connects to the skull. When one or both of these joints become irritated, pain and discomfort can be felt in the jaw, neck and shoulders. Other symptoms associated with TMJ disorder include headaches and a locked jaw.

TMJ disorder can be caused by several different factors. Regularly grinding or clenching the teeth together can result in developing the condition. Other potential causes include arthritis, stress, a jaw injury or a whiplash injury. Interestingly, women tend to develop TMJ disorder more often than do men. If you think you might have TMJ disorder, Dr. Midkiff, your Lynchburg dentist, can assess your condition and make a formal diagnosis.

Treatment

If you are experiencing jaw pain and are ultimately diagnosed with TMJ disorder, there are treatments that can help. Possible treatments for TMJ disorder include pain relievers, muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory medications to ease the jaw pain you experience when the temporomandibular joints are irritated. Finally, surgery is an option in serious cases of TMJ disorder. Surgery is performed to correct problems with the temporomandibular joint(s) or to repair damaged tissue.

Jaw pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including an abscessed tooth or frequent teeth grinding, but a common source of jaw pain is TMJ Disorder. If you have this condition, effective treatments are available. For diagnosis or treatment of your jaw pain, schedule an appointment with Dr. Midkiff, your Lynchburg, VA dentist, by calling the office at (434) 239-8133.