When your jaw hurts, you can’t eat properly because the jaw pain hampers the way you chew. The pain also makes speaking uncomfortable. Don’t let it continue, not when there’s a dentist nearby in Stamford, CT who can help.
You may not think of your dentist for jaw pain, but the dentists at Stamford dental office are experienced in treating that pain, whether it’s on your left side, your right side or both sides. Call today for an evaluation.
Your jaw joint, also known as the temporomandibular joint or TMJ, is a complex joint made of tendons, muscles and bone. Located below your ears on either side of your face, this joint receives more than its share of stress and strain, any of which may result in a dull ache or severe jaw pain. Trauma is an obvious cause of jaw pain, but you can hurt your jaw in any number of other ways.
Unless you’ve experienced a severe injury, jaw pain usually isn’t life-threatening. But it can impact your quality of life and interfere with your day-to-day activities. An experienced dentist like those near you at center for dentistry uncovers the source of your jaw pain so it can be treated, helping you regain the ability to eat and talk without discomfort.
In general, any pain in your face, mouth or jaw demands a visit to your local family dentist. This is the dentist who knows you, your mouth and your habits, so it’s the place to go for any kind of pain. A pain in your jaw often appears in specific ways and places. The symptoms you notice may offer a clue about the cause. Common symptoms include:
Jaw pain comes from several different sources. Some are easily treated, while others require more extensive intervention. From minor causes to major concerns, Stamford CT dentist has the diagnostic experience and tools to determine the cause of your pain, which may be from:
Your treatment depends on the underlying cause of the pain in your jaw. Your Stamford dentist begins with conservative treatments first, which may include medications such as pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants or tricyclic antidepressants.
Another non-drug therapy includes counseling to help with stress and anxiety. Your top-rated dentist also may suggest physical therapy to stretch, strengthen and soothe your strained muscles. You may use moist heat or ice several times a day to reduce inflammation and decrease pain. If you’ve experienced trauma, infection or more extensive oral damage, your Stamford dentist may suggest procedures such as injections of Botox or corticosteroids for pain relief. As a last resort, there are oral surgical procedures, such as:
Jaw pain doesn’t have to keep you from enjoying the foods you like or talking to the people you love. Effective treatments help relieve symptoms and allow you to resume your daily life. Contact Stamford Dental Arts today to discover the best jaw pain treatment option for you.