TMJ Disorder Symptoms

Temporomandibular Joint – TMJ Disorder Symptoms may include seemingly unexplained facial or jaw pain and/or pain that radiates into the neck and shoulders, headaches and earaches, and a locking of the jaw. 

The jaw is a highly complex joint, composed of several different components that must work in concert for the joint to function properly and be capable of both lateral and vertical movements. Unfortunately, problems may develop in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) that may cause painful symptoms.

Find Out TMJ Disorder Symptoms

You or your oral surgeon may suspect that you have a TMJ disorder if you present with certain symptoms. A clicking or popping sound while opening or closing the jaw is often a telltale sign. Other TMJ disorder symptoms may include seemingly unexplained facial or jaw pain and/or pain that radiates into the neck and shoulders, headaches and earaches, and a locking of the jaw. 
 

Stress may also exacerbate a TMJ disorder that is already present.

Other, more subtle, indicators include changes in facial appearance, lightheadedness and a need to change the diet to favor softer foods.

Certain characteristics may make people more susceptible to TMJ disorders. For example, a malocclusion (“bad bite”) or other congenital jaw abnormality can contribute to pain in the joint. Stress may also exacerbate a TMJ disorder that is already present.

If you complain of TMJ disorder symptoms that are potentially caused by TMJ, your oral surgeon will complete a thorough evaluation of your case. You likely will need to have x-rays taken so that your surgeon will have a birds-eye view of the jaw joint. This perspective will help the oral surgeon diagnose the specific nature of the problem and plan for treatment.

TMJ Disorders Causes

TMJ disorders often may result from problems with the disc or improper growth patterns of the jaw during puberty. As a result, early intervention during the teen years may be able to minimize a patient’s chances of having TMJ disorders later in life.

Older patients with TMJ issues may benefit from surgical interventions to reposition the jaw or correct the problematic structure causing the discomfort. Patients who develop TMJ due to autoimmune conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, may need to be fitted with a prosthetic joint in order to get relief from their symptoms.

Don’t feel that you have to suffer from TMJ disorder symptoms associated with TMJ disorders. You can discuss your treatment options with our experienced oral and maxillofacial surgery team.

If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Dr. Larry Wolford’s office using our online contact form or call 214-828-9115.

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Get To Know Dr. Larry M. Wolford, DMD

Diplomat of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Oral Maxillofacial Jaw Surgeon | Larry M. Wolford, DMD
Dr. Larry M. Wolford
The Leading Maxillofacial Revision Surgeon in the World

Dr. Larry M. Wolford, known as a caring and compassionate doctor, surgeon, researcher, lecturer, inventor, is renowned globally as a leading innovator in TMJ (jaw joint) surgery, orthognathic “corrective jaw” surgery, and maxillofacial revision surgery. He has completed many thousands of successful surgeries and is the most recognized, awarded, and referred Maxillofacial surgeon in the World.

Dr. Wolford’s patients travel to Dallas, Tx from all over the world. He has received recognition from his esteemed surgeon colleagues in the form of numerous awards, honors, Who’s Who in the World, and voted one of the leading Maxillofacial Surgeons in the world. Dr. Wolford has tirelessly shared his knowledge, surgical inventions, and expertise with other surgeons having trained hundreds of other surgeons through various fellowships at Baylor and Texas A&M.

Dr. Wolford is the recognized expert in his field as seen on numerous media outlets and by his long list of Google 5 Star reviews. Other oral surgeons, dentists, maxillofacial surgeons regularly refer their most difficult patients to Dr. Wolford because of his superior knowledge, capabilities, and life-changing results.

Contact Dr. Wolford’s Staff for a Free Initial Telephone Consultation.

Office Location:

Larry M. Wolford, DMD

Baylor University Medical Center, Worth Street Tower 3409 Worth Street, Suite 400, Dallas, TX 75246

Experience Matters

Dr. Larry Wolford / Web Decoration
Dr. Larry Wolford has over 40 years of complex surgical experience

Dr. Larry Wolford has over 40 years of complex surgical experience

65% of his practice are patients referred from all over the USA and other countries

65% of his practice are patients referred from all over the USA and other countries

Developed many innovative procedures that are the current jaw surgical techniques

Developed many innovative procedures that are the current jaw surgical techniques

Listens to the patient and answers questions with care and compassionate

Listens to the patient and answers questions with care and compassionate