Our Location:
Dentist - Andover
2 Elm Square, Suite 202,
Andover, MA 01810
Find answers and other helpful dental topics in our digital library.
Our Blog:
Archive:
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
Tags
- celebrity smiles (57)
- gap (1)
- orthodontics (8)
- Laser (1)
- white spots (1)
- oral health (9)
- crowns (4)
- Single visit (1)
- orthodontic treatment (13)
- tooth extraction (1)
- impacted teeth (1)
- dental injury (5)
- mouthguard (3)
- periodontal disease (1)
- gum disease (10)
- cosmetic dentistry (9)
- bonding (1)
- oral cancer (3)
- dental injuries (1)
- tads (1)
- braces (11)
- nutrition (4)
- baby teeth (1)
- pediatric dentistry (7)
- osteoporosis (1)
- oral surgery (1)
- tooth grinding (1)
- composite resins (1)
- removable partial denture (1)
- bridge (2)
- dental implants (14)
- partial denture (1)
- porcelain veneers (4)
- tmj disorders (1)
- tmd (1)
- tmj (1)
- wisdom teeth (4)
- root planing (1)
- dental anxiety (2)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- bad breath (2)
- tooth erosion (1)
- oral hygiene (19)
- pediatric care (1)
- teeth whitening (3)
- tooth decay (2)
- cosmetic gum surgery (1)
- athletic mouthguards (1)
- sinus surgery (1)
- teeth wear (1)
- mouthguards (2)
- loose teeth (1)
- retainers (1)
- sedation dentistry (2)
- root canal treatment (1)
- toothache (3)
- teeth grinding (1)
- veneers (1)
- thumb sucking (2)
- fillings (1)
- dentures (2)
- chipped teeth (1)
- extractions (1)
- palatal expander (2)
- retainer (2)
- saliva (1)
- toothbrush (1)
- chipped tooth (1)
- gum recession (1)
- tooth pain (1)
- tooth wear (2)
- gummy smile (1)
- loose tooth (1)
- periodontal (gum) disease (1)
- medicine (1)
- dental emergency (1)
- dental sealants (1)
My Blog
Posts for tag: tmj
A blow to the face can result in a variety of injuries to your jaws and the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) that join the lower jaw to the skull. Only a thorough examination can determine the type and extent of the injury, and how to treat it.
The pain you feel in your jaw may indicate a direct injury, usually near the joint. This could mean the joint head (condyle) has dislocated, or moved out of the joint space. It could also mean you’ve fractured your lower jaw, most commonly just below the head of the joint.
Jaw pain can also indicate structures near the jaw and joint have been damaged and the jaw is indirectly affected. In some cases a damaged tooth may be radiating pain signals through the jaw (along similar nerve paths). More likely, trauma to soft tissue near the jaw joint has swelled with inflammation, putting pressure on the joint and temporarily stopping the condyle from seating fully in the joint space.
Any of these injuries can also cause painful muscle spasms, a defensive reaction from the body that causes muscles on either side of the jaw to limit movement preventing further damage (a natural splint, if you will). Thus, the pain may be compounded by a diminished range of motion when you try to chew or speak.
It’s important, therefore, to determine the exact cause of pain and limited movement before commencing treatment. Spasms and inflammation are usually treated with muscle relaxant drugs and anti-inflammatory pain relievers. In the case of a dislocation, gentle manipulation can ease the condyle back into the joint space. A fracture would require more extensive treatment, including repositioning broken bone and immobilizing the jaw from movement to allow healing. In the most severe cases, surgical treatment may be necessary to internally immobilize the joint.
If you sustain an injury that results in jaw swelling and pain, you should see us without delay. The sooner we can diagnose and begin the proper treatment for your injury, the less likely you’ll encounter long-term problems and the sooner you’ll be pain and swelling free.
If you would like more information on the causes and treatment of jaw pain, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Jaw Pain.”