TMJ & TMD Symptoms
Temporomandibular joint issues, referred to as simply TMJ or TMD, can be painful and cause disruption to your life. TMJ syndrome is not one disorder, but an array of issues that can impact the jaw joints and surrounding muscles, causing a variety of different symptoms. These symptoms can be localized in the jaw, or may radiate to other areas, making TMJ difficult to diagnose. At Bob Perkins, DDS, we have an office in Malibu where our TMJ specialists can help identify your symptoms and determine whether they are linked to a jaw joint disorder.
Common Symptoms of TMJ
Every person with TMJ syndrome may have a different experience. Some may begin to have jaw pain or problems chewing, making it easy to pinpoint the problem. However, although jaw pain and tenderness are common, they are just a few of the symptoms you may experience if you have TMD. You may not have any jaw tenderness or dysfunction in the jaw, yet have neck or ear pain that is a direct or indirect result of TMJ. Some of the many symptoms you may have with TMJ include:
- Facial tenderness or swelling
- Clicking or locking of the jaw
- Earaches or ringing noises in the ear
- Headaches, sinus pressure or migraines
- Sleeping difficulties
- Problems chewing or swallowing
- Neck or shoulder pain
If the symptoms are not in the jaw, often these are misdiagnosed as a sinus or muscular problem. If the underlying cause in the jaw is not uncovered, you may be treated for the wrong health condition. It is important to see a TMJ specialist that can determine whether your symptoms are related to TMJ to get the right treatment to combat your symptoms.
For those in Malibu that are concerned they have TMJ and want to seek treatment, contact us today to schedule an appointment to see the experts at Bob Perkins, DDS. We offer accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for TMJ syndrome at our office in Malibu.