What’s Acute TMJ?

Acute TMJ refers to this type of condition. Occasionally, a physician in an emergency room will need to manually push the jaw back into place if it slips back on its own.

There is a much more severe form of TMJ, the chronic type. Chronic TMJ dislocation can develop arthritis, nerve damage, and possibly permanent dislocation due to damage to the tendons, muscles, cartilage, and AE.

Those with chronic TMJ dislocations are likely to develop it. Joints or surrounding bones are more likely to slip out of place because of their anatomy. Over time, it can permanently damage the TMJ, a painful and embarrassing condition.

TMJ Symptoms

This joint lies behind the major nerve that crosses and connects a network of nerves throughout the head, face, and neck. Pain can spread throughout the mouth, eyes, ear, cheeks, tongue, and throat when the TMJ is affected. A person’s neck and upper back muscles can also be affected.

It is usually not necessary to treat minor TMJ discomfort. A TMJ evaluation is recommended for anyone with the following symptoms to prevent or avoid future problems:

• TMJ or ear pain or tenderness that persists or recurs
• Chewing pain or discomfort
• Joints are either open or closed when they are “locked”
• Unknown cause of chronic pain in other parts of the face
• During chewing or opening the jaw, accompanied by discomfort or a limitation of movement, there is a clicking or grinding noise.

How is TMJ Diagnosed?

The most common method is asking the patient to describe their symptoms and then physically examine the jaw. The examination will usually involve palpation of the jaw muscles and checking for any abnormalities in the jaw range of motion. 

Imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans may help better look at the jaw joint. In some cases, a comprehensive TMJ evaluation may involve tests of the nerves and muscles that control the jaw. 

Causes of Acute TMJ

One of the most common is bruxism, which is when you grind or clench your teeth. Jaw pain can occur during the day or at night due to this stress.

Other possible causes of acute TMJ pain include dislocation of the ball and socket joint disc, arthritis in the TMJ, stress, acute trauma, or an improper bite. 

Never worry about TMJ again because Nevada Dental Esthetics has it! Contact us at 702-737-3553 to schedule a consultation. Nevada residents from Summerlin, Spring Valley, and nearby areas can contact us.