Between 5 and 15 percent of people in the United States endure TMJ-related pain, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. The Houston area claims no exception, and it offers a number of qualified dentists to assist you.

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD or TMD) defines any inflammation in the temporomandibular joint, which connects the upper and lower jaws with the skull.

Symptoms of TMJ syndrome include pain in the jaw and ears and aching facial muscles. TMJD may cause difficulty eating; in more severe cases, it locks the joint, making it difficult to even open the mouth, much less chew. Visit your Houston area dentist to request a diagnosis.

To determine if you suffer from TMJD, your dentist may press on the triangle created by your jaws, or the hard corner directly in front of your ear. If you suffer from TMJD, your Houston dentist will notice an increased sensitivity and irritation in those areas.

TMJD often haunts people temporarily, instigated by stress-induced activities, such as teeth grinding. However, TMJD can also occur by natural means, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Your dentist can help determine the cause and appropriate response. Occasionally, TMJD remains for long periods of time. In these instances, continue the regime of regular dental checkups with your Houston area dentistry, and notify your dentist of any changes or irregularities.

Many self-applied treatments alleviate TMJD. Sometimes, applying a warm compress to the face mollifies the pain. Your dentist may prescribe anti-inflammatory prescriptions. However, since no standard test exists to diagnose TMJD, it’s important for you to speak with your Houston area dentist before pursuing a course of action.

TMJD varies in severity from mild to extreme. Although mild TMJD may be self-treated, critical cases may require dental or surgical treatment, requiring your professional dentistry’s involvement.

Those professional dentists wait for your questions, readily and conveniently available to you in the Houston area. Your general dentistry or cosmetic dentistry can recommend treatments such as physical therapy, surgery and additional dental procedures available in your Houston dental office.

Several people suffering from TMJD in the Houston area seek help from Dr. Mehta’s dentistry. Dr. Mehta’s dentistry expertise earned him the “Excellence in TMJ Therapy Certificate” award, and his Houston dentistry is associated with the ADA, TDA, and GHDS. His cosmetic dentistry staff equally qualifies to assist you with your TMJD concerns. Dr. Mehta’s dental practice, located in the Houston metro area, offer free consultations to all new clients wishing to have their concerns addressed at a professional dentistry.