TMJ Treatment

If you are a woman from the age of 20 to 40 and you are having a tired feeling in the face, problems opening your mouth, swelling in the cheeks or jaw area, or pain when moving the jaw, it is possible that you have TMJ.  Women between those ages are more prone to developing TMJ than men. 

Popping of the jaw when talking or eating, whether it causes pain or not, can also be a symptom of TMJ.  If your jaw is locked in the opened or closed position, you should see Dr. Mack Wright immediately for evaluation. 

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint and is commonly used to describe the symptoms above.  The condition is technically a temporomandibular disorder (TMD).  No matter which abbreviation you use, the symptoms are caused by a problem with the temporomandibular joint.  This joint is a hinge that allows the jaw to move side to side, up, and down.  Without the hinge, no eating, talking, or yawning could happen.  Problems with the hinge make those actions difficult also. 

Patients who are under a lot of stress, have arthritis, or clench their teeth are prone to developing TMJ.  Dr. Wright is an expert at treating TMJ.