Springfield TMJ Dentistry

Is it Just Jaw Pain?

Find Out Why Your TMJ Could Be to Blame

Every time you wake up, you hope your jaw pain is going to be OK today. But then it isn’t and you’re left popping pain medication like you always do. There’s a good chance your discomfort could be related to your TMJ or the temporomandibular joint, located beside both of your ears and used daily for everything from eating and chewing to talking to your friends. When it’s not functioning properly or your bite is off, you need to take some time out to talk to your Springfield dentist. We want to help get your bite right.

Baines Dental Wellness

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Baines Dental Wellness

What is TMJ or TMD?

When jaw pain or other TMJ issues are ruling your life, it might be time to talk to your Springfield dentist about something commonly called TMD or temporomandibular joint disorder. TMD causes problems between how our mouths form structurally and also the functionality of related muscles. This interaction begins early in development with learning how to suck, chew, swallow, and breathe properly all coming into play. To address all of this, Dr. Baines relies on several methods of treatment. Myofunctional therapy is useful for some patients. It is designed to train your muscles to have better balance and physiological function. Others require rehabilitation of the muscles to change the painful muscle function.

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and Symptoms

When you look deeply at how  this complex series of ligaments, discs, muscles, and bones work together, it becomes easier to understand how much it matters when something is a little off. Something goes wrong, and you’re left experiencing TMJ symptoms such as:

  • Jaw pain and tenderness
  • Neck, shoulder, ear, tooth, and facial pain or swelling
  • Dizziness
  • Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
  • Locking or clicking in your jaw when you chew or speak
  • Chronic headaches that drag you down

If any of these sound familiar to you or someone close to you, schedule a consultation with us. We’re here to help — always.

Baines Dental Wellness

Make an Appointment.
Feel the Difference.

Welcome to Baines Dental Wellness
Schedule Today