If you’re waking up with headaches and shoulder pain, or you’re having difficulty chewing, you may have issues with your TMJ. Dr. Titus can diagnose TMJ problems for patients in the Middletown, IN, area, and offer dental treatment to relieve your symptoms and improve your oral health.

Causes and symptoms of TMJ disorders

The temporomandibular joint acts as the hinge of your jaw, allowing it to open and close, as well as move side to side. Like any joint in your body, stress and other issues can lead to pain, popping, and locking that interfere with range of motion and make it difficult to use. The most common causes of TMJ pain are:

• Trauma to your teeth or jaw
• Clenching and grinding
• Malocclusion or dental placement
• Excessive gum chewing
• Poor Posture
• Stress

 While the most common symptom is jaw pain, you may eventually have difficulty opening and closing your mouth, hear popping in your jaw, or experience frequent headaches and pain in your neck and shoulders. Because many of these symptoms can be related to other health problems, the best way to rule out TMJ disorders is with your dentist.

Forming your treatment plan

During your initial appointment, Dr. Titus will check your jaw for tenderness, evaluate your tooth placement and bite alignment, and look for evidence of wear and tear caused by grinding your teeth. If Dr. Titus determines you have TMJ issues, he’ll work with you to form a treatment plan to find relief.

Because TMJ can be caused by a variety of issues, Dr. Titus will make an individualized treatment plan to address your issues. The first step will be to help you find relief for your symptoms and then address the root causes. These may include orthodontics, facial exercises, replacing ill-fitted restorations, and therapies to improve your posture and reduce stress. Once your TMJ symptoms ease, you’ll be able to achieve more restful sleep and chew your foods without issue. Patients looking for “TMJ treatment near me” can contact our office in Middletown, IN, today at (765) 358-5868 to learn more about how we can help.

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