Q: What are some symptoms of a temporomandibular problem?
A: The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the jaw joint that is in front of your ear. It can be the source of problems. Here are some signs that you might have a TMJ problem: Pain connected with chewing that may radiate to the head. Snap, pop and click: these sounds are usually associated with pain if you have a temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Instances of limited jaw-opening ability and of the jaw locking, either open or closed. TMD can also trigger severe headaches, facial pain, pain at the vertex of the skull and around the ears, and a burning sensation involving the mucosa of the nose, throat and sometimes the tongue. It may also cause ringing in the ears, hearing loss and a feeling of congestion in the ears.
Because TMD can be related to and exacerbated by stress, treatment of chronic TMD usually involves a team approach. In addition to your dentist, your care may involve your primary care physician, a psychologist, a pharmacologist, and physiotherapist. Your dentist can fill you in on more details about TMD.
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