What is Causing My Jaw Pain?

For some patients, they will experience ongoing pain near their ear, in their jaw and in the muscles on the side of their face. Oftentimesjaw pain this is caused by TMD or temporomandibular disorders. This pain is sometimes accompanied by a popping or clicking sound and limited jaw movement. Your Stamford, CT, such as Dr. Irina Pogosian or Dr. Thomas Ohlson from Comprehensive Dental Group can evaluate each patient to determine the source of their jaw pain and treat it effectively.

More about Jaw Pain

TMD refers to the group of conditions that include pain and/or dysfunction of the joint and the muscles around it. It is difficult to figure out what causes these symptoms, however, many TMD cases have been resolved with the use of conservative treatments. The TMJ is the temporomandibular joint that connects the lower jaw to the temporal bone to the skull on each side. The lower jaw and the temporal bone fit together similar to a ball and socket. Any of these pieces can be the source of jaw pain and the TMD issue in a patient.

Some common signs or symptoms of TMD include:

  • Clicking sounds
  • Joint pain
  • Muscle pain

One of our Stamford dentists can evaluate your oral health situation to determine an appropriate treatment plan. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications or muscle relaxants can be used to provide severe ear/jaw pain. Cortisone injections or flushing of the joint may also be recommended. Night guards are another common oral appliance treatment that helps some patients with moderate jaw pain.

The good news is that for most cases of TMD, it is rare for surgery to be necessary. The first step to treating your jaw pain is a dental examination from one of our Stamford, CT, dentists. To schedule this important appointment today, call us at 203-359-3296.

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