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Often mistakenly attributed as a symptom of a wider condition, TMJ is the collective name for a series of muscle and joint complaints that affect the temporomandibular joint around the face and mouth. TMJ limits movement of the jaw and causes pain. The condition is poorly understood which often leads to misdiagnosis and patients having to wait many months or even years before they are properly treated.
TMJ can affect as many as one ten people at some level but only a tiny fraction of these people receive the treatment that they need for the condition. Unfortunately, the main characteristic of TMJ is pain. Other symptoms include limited or difficult movement of the jaw, ringing in the ears, dizziness and stiffness. In most cases TMJ will only be mild and the symptoms temporary. It will often clear up on its own and require no further treatment but for those patients affected by a chronic case of TMJ, life can become very difficult. It is necessary, if you think you are suffering from TMJ to make an appointment to see a Central London dentist as soon as possible.
Even though there is no standard diagnostic test for TMJ, Central London dentists will be experienced enough to spot the tell-tale signs and make a diagnosis. In most cases TMJ is caused either by genetic predisposition or as the result of a minor misalignment of the teeth. The dentist will attempt to correct the alignment and alleviate the pain to allow for a speedy recovery.