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How to Avoid TMJ Symptoms

appearance of jaw when person experience a dislocated jaw or there is pain in jaw

There are several ways a person can injure their jaw. Injury can occur from a simple fall, accidents, playing sports, or vehicle accidents. Hits to the jaw are very common. Unfortunately, they can also cause damage and discomfort. Impact to the jaw can lead to serious damage, including dislocation. Sometimes a person may not know that their jaw is dislocated. It’s important to make sure that an injury to the jaw doesn’t go untreated and lead to chronic jaw problems like TMJ disorder. 

SYMPTOMS OF A DISLOCATED JAW

There are many symptoms of a dislocated jaw. Knowing what these symptoms are is important. Making an appointment with our dentist at Prescott Dental Arts, as soon as these symptoms occur, will help prevent further problems. Some of these symptoms include: 

  • A loud noise on the side of the dislocation. When a dislocation occurs, there is usually a loud noise on the side of the dislocation. The noise will be loud and near the eardrum. This occurs because the jaw joints are located near the ears. 
  • Immediate pain. Immediate pain is also typical when a dislocation occurs. Constant pain after the dislocation can also occur. 
  • Bite feels off. After the dislocation, a person’s bite will feel off. When biting down the teeth will feel like they don’t touch like normal. This is because the jaw has shifted not allowing the teeth to come together like normal.  
  • Difficult chewing. When the bite is off, due to a dislocated jaw, it is difficult to chew. Not only will the teeth not bite together, to enable easy chewing, pain may also occur.
  • Limited mouth movement. Jaw dislocation makes it very difficult to move the mouth back and forth or open and close fully. 
  • Pain in other areas. A person who experiences a dislocated jaw may feel pain not only in their jaw but also in their neck and face. 
  • Headaches. Headaches can also be common with jaw dislocations.

It’s important to remember that when experiencing these symptoms, a person must see their dentist immediately. Our team at Prescott Dental Arts allows time for dental emergencies, especially jaw dislocations. Neglecting to see the dentist after a dislocation can lead to further damage to the jaw as well as teeth. One of the issues that can occur when a dislocated jaw is left untreated is TMJ disorder. 

AVOIDING TMJ DISORDERS AFTER DISLOCATED JAW

TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint. This joint connects the jaw to the skull and works like a hinge allowing the jaw to move up and down. Unfortunately when a person experiences a dislocated jaw they are at risk for developing TMJ disorders or TMD. 

To manage this risk, it’s important to see Dr. David Herbert, our dentist in Prescott AZ. During an exam the dentist can evaluate the jaw and bite. TMJ disorders are not typically caused by the actual dislocation of the jaw, but the body’s adaptation to the injury. Having the area evaluated and treatment done will help avoid problems in the future. 

At Prescott Dental Arts we can address dislocated jaws and TMJ disorders. If a person is experiencing any symptoms or if they are concerned about developing TMJ disorders, please call our Prescott dental office today to schedule an appointment.

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