Around 10 million adults in the U.S. suffer from TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder. Your TMJ enables you to chew, talk, and move your jaw. TMJ disorder can cause pain and stiffness in the jaw and face. Dr. Elmer A. Villalon is a dentist in Pueblo, CO. He is dedicated to providing the best quality dental services for all his patients. He can also provide treatment for TMJ disorder.
Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ Disorder
What causes TMJ disorder?
TMJ problems can arise from tense jaw muscles, teeth grinding, a misaligned bite, a jaw injury, or arthritis. Some Pueblo residents suffer from TMJ because they tend to clench their jaw when they are exercising.
How is TMJ disorder diagnosed?
Dr. Villalon is equipped to diagnose your TMJ problems. He will discuss your symptoms and perform an oral examination, which may include X-rays. He will look for tell-tale signs such as tenderness or swelling around your jaw joint.
Can I treat TMJ disorder at home?
Often, TMJ pain flares up suddenly and will resolve within a week or two. It is possible to relax the pain with several home remedies including:
- Application of a heating pad
- Avoiding chewing gum, ice, or hard food items
- Practice jaw loosening exercises
- Try to minimize your stress levels
- Use over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication
How can Dr. Villalon treat TMJ disorder?
If your TMJ pain is persistent or recurrent, you can talk to Dr. Villalon about treatment. He may recommend wearing a nightguard to prevent you from grinding your teeth while you sleep. He may also suggest orthodontic treatment to correct your bite or jaw.
If you live in or around Pueblo and you would like to find out more about treatment for TMJ, call Dr. Villalon at (719) 542-7844 to schedule an appointment.