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You don’t have to live with TMJ pain.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull. This joint allows you to move your jaw up and down and side to side so that you can talk, chew, and yawn. Each TMJ has a disc between the ball and socket of the joint that cushions the load of the joint. Any issues with the TMJ and the associated muscles is known as a TMJ disorder. The following can cause TMJ disorders:

  • Grinding or clenching your teeth
  • Movement of the disc between the ball and socket of the joint
  • Arthritis in the TMJ
  • Stress, which can cause you to tighten the muscles of your face and jaw or to clench your teeth

If you experience any of the following symptoms, Dr. Bryce E. Justesen may treat TMJ in Mesa, Arizona:

  • Pain in the face, jaw joint, neck, shoulders, or ear area when you use your jaw
  • Issues with opening your mouth wide
  • Jaws that lock open or shut
  • Clicking sounds when you use your jaw
  • A tired feeling in the face
  • A suddenly uncomfortable bite
  • Swelling in the face

To treat TMJ disorders, our dentist may recommend a custom-made night guard to protect your teeth and jaws from the effects of teeth grinding.

To learn more and to schedule an appointment, contact our office today.