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Many people are experiencing unnecessary facial pain that can be eased or entirely eliminated through modern dental treatments. If this describes you, a friend, or a member of your family please call us today. We can help.
SYMPTOMS:TMJ* and facial pain disorders have a variety of symptoms. Some patients may have earaches, headaches or limited ability to open their mouth. Others hear clicking or grating sounds in the jaw joint, or feel pain when opening and closing their mouth.
CAUSES:
Determining the cause of the problem is important, because
it is the cause that guides the treatment.
Arthritis or congenital anomalies are causes of TMJ or facial pain,
as are grinding of the teeth at night, and tramatic injuries.
Another common cause involves displacement or dislocation of the disc that is located between the jawbone and the socket. A displaced disc may produce clicking or popping sounds, limit jaw movement, and cause pain during opening and closing of the mouth.
Stress can trigger pain in the jaw muscles that feels very similar
to that caused by TMJ problems. Such patients frequently clench or
grind their teeth at night, experiencing painful spasms in the muscles
and difficulty in jaw movement.
DIAGNOSIS:
Diagnosing TMJ or facial pain disorders can be complex because there are so many causes that may require different diagnostic procedures.
TREATMENT:
There are as many ways to treat TMJ or facial pain as there are causes and they range from conservative dental and medical care to complex surgery.
Depending on Dr Olson's diagnosis, treatment may include short-term
medications for pain and muscle relaxation, bite plate or splint therapy,
and even stress management counseling.
If non-surgical treatment is unsuccessful, or if there is obvious
joint damage, surgery may be recommended. Surgery can involve arthroscopy
- the method identical to the orthoscopic procedures used to inspect
and treat larger joints such as the knee.
HELP FOR YOU:
When symptoms of TMJ or other
facial pain appear, please contact Dr. Olson by calling 320-253-9868.
As a specialist, Dr. Olson can work with you to correctly diagnose
the cause of the pain and prescribe the best treatment for you.
*The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a small joint
located in front of the ear where the skull and lower jaw meet,
which allows the lower jaw (mandible) to move and function.
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