Headache and TMJ Doctors in Scottsdale AZ

Doctors specializing in TMJ, explain that TMJ Syndrome is a condition that affects the joints located in front of the ears, connecting the lower jaw to the skull.

These are the joints that aid in biting, chewing, and swallowing food, speaking, as well as allow for facial expressions. It is common for individuals who suffer with TMJ to experience limited jaw movement, jaw pain, and even migraine headache.

TMJ pain is often confused with ear pain or earaches since they share the same nerves and are physically next to each other.

It is common to confuse the pain of TMJ with ear pain or earache. Both problems involve the same nerves and cause pain in similar areas of the face. TMJ pain may be caused by one or more contributing factors, including arthritis, auto-immune diseases, dental procedures, heredity, hormones, infection, injury to the jaw area, mis-aligned bite, or repeated clenching/grinding of the teeth. TMJ pain may also be aggravated by stress.

TMJ typically causes facial pain and limited movement of the jaw joint, but it can also create additional symptoms including stiffness of the jaw muscle, popping or clicking sounds when opening or closing the mouth, hearing or vision problems, dizziness, changes in bite, ringing in the ears, ear pain, shoulder and neck pain, and/or headache.

In some instances, TMJ pain can be temporary. When issues are more persistent, TMJ issues in some instances be treated with home remedies and eating soft foods while taking care to avoid exaggerated jaw movements.

Severe and long-lasting TMJ problems should be evaluated by a qualified specialist and, if available a Board certified Orofacial pain or TMJ specialist.

These doctors can evaluate the root cause of a patient's particular TMJ issue, thus formulate a treatment protocol that is customized on a per patient basis.

Bite problems contributing to TMJ can be corrected with crown and bridge work (teeth correction and replacement), orthodontic appliances, re-positioning splints, and/or grinding down of teeth to help them fit together properly.

Surgery for TMJ

Generally it is best to visit a Board certified oral surgeon who is proficient in TMJ surgery for a consult once conservative treatment has been unsuccessful.

In cases of severe TMJ, surgery may be indicated. Surgical repair of the jaw joint and articular disc (the disc cushioning the jaw joint) may be able to alleviate severe TMJ problems that do not respond to more conservative measures. A board certified oral surgeon should perform this type of surgery. The articular disc may be replaced or repositioned using some of the patient's own body tissue, when circumstances allow it. If bony growth or scar tissue on the jaw joint is causing TMJ pain and symptoms, these can also be removed during surgery. In cases where the jaw joint is too damaged to be repaired, surgeons can completely replace the disc with an artificial disc.