What Are the Symptoms of TMJ?

TMJ, also known as the temporomandibular joint, is a hinge-like, sliding joint that connects the jaw joint to the skull. The joint takes part in any movement and activity of the mouth, including, eating, drinking and speaking. TMJ is also quite sensitive and easily affected by stress, trauma, involuntary muscle contractions and other issues. Here are some of the most common symptoms that are associated with TMJ:

• Pain or tenderness in the temporomandibular joint on one side or in both jaws;
• Pain in the ears or in the facial sinuses;
• The inability to open and close the jaw because of tension experienced on one side or on both sides of the face;
• The inability to chew;
• Jaw locking.

In some cases, the symptoms heal on their own, in other cases they require the attention of Buffalo Grove dental implants surgeon, as they work with many jaw bone discrepancies.  The home remedies that can work include the application of warm or cold compresses (both are known to relieve joint, nerve and muscle stress), the administration of analgesics that contain ibuprofen and relaxation techniques that ease the tension in the affected area. The people who experience the symptoms should see their doctor if the pain is very severe or if the symptoms do not go away in about a week.