Recently, my friend and I made plans to get together for lunch as soon as she left her physician’s office.  She scheduled the appointment because she was experiencing ear pain and headaches that had lasted for several days.  The first thing she said to me when we met was “You aren’t going to believe this. They told me I have TMJ and that I should see a dentist as soon as possible. I told them I was on my way to met one for lunch!”  We spent much of lunch discussing her symptoms and why having a dentist examine her could help her get the treatment she needs in order to make her comfortable.

In our practice, we continually find that patients must have harmony between their teeth, jaws joints (TMJ’s) and the muscles of the chewing system because disharmony will cause an imbalance in your chewing/jaw joint system.  The imbalance is significant because it means the weakest link of your chewing/jaw joint system is wearing out or becoming symptomatic.   For example, some of the most common symptoms include headaches; TMJ/jaw joint sounds like clicking, popping, or grating; muscle tightness in your face, head, and neck; premature wearing of your teeth, as well as ringing in your ears.  Most of these symptoms can be easily diagnosed and treated.  For every patient, we complete a thorough history and examination of your head and neck, including your jaw joints (TMJ’s) as well as your teeth, gums, bone levels, oral cancer screening, and your bite.  We can even listen to an ultrasound of your jaw joints to detect the slightest amount of noise or breakdown in your jaw joints.  We also take a panoramic radiograph (X-ray) as a further screening of the shape, position, and symmetry of your jaw joints.  If needed, we can order a CT scan or MRI to detect severe problems with your jaw joint.  In addition, we will typically need 3-D models of your teeth and bite to study your particular case and formulate a plan to stop the progression of symptoms or relieve your pain.  

Women are eight times more likely to have muscle pain in this area and while there may be multiple factors causing her ear pain and headaches, a comprehensive dental exam will help her find out why she is so uncomfortable and what can be done to restore harmony and comfort.  If you are experiencing any of the symptoms described above or you have any jaw joint pain, please call our office for an appointment to evaluate your needs.  We can be reached at 757-546-5262 or by email at www.info@tccrd.com.

This article was written by Dr. Roxzanne Amos on June 26, 2009.

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