The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), where the jawbone meets the skull, helps you chew and talk. When problems arise with this joint, they are referred to as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) or TMJ.

Some patients have an abnormality that causes this joint that to slide out of place. It’s fairly common; in fact, nearly 3 million cases are diagnosed in the United States every year.

However, knowing how common a disorder is doesn’t make the pain any better. Below is everything you need to know about TMJ to make an informed decision about your situation.

How Do You Get TMJ?

A variety of factors can put you more at risk for developing this disorder.

First, if you get a jaw injury, your risk for TMD increases, especially if you have arthritis in the jaw as well. It has also been noted that people who grind or clench their teeth are more susceptible to TMJ as well.

While these aren’t the only factors that result in TMJ, they do seem to play a significant part.

What Are the Symptoms of This Dysfunction?

Your TMJ symptoms will depend on the severity of the problem. Most people feel a lot of pain and achiness in the area where the jaw connects to the skull.

They also report having trouble eating, talking and opening their jaw wide. It can affect one side of your face or both. Some other symptoms include swelling and a clicking or popping sound when you open your mouth.

What Does Treatment Entail?

Treatment mostly depends on the causes of your TMJ and its severity. Your doctor may recommend some home treatment options such as an ice pack and pain meds if it’s not too bad.

Another option is a mouthguard if you tend to grind your teeth a lot. There are many other ways to treat TMJ. The best way to learn about them is to talk with your doctor.

What Happens if You Don’t Get Treatment?

Severe TMJ can be dangerous if left untreated. If you are living in constant pain because of this disorder, get it treated.

Over time, untreated TMJ can result in lopsided facial muscles, worn-down and damaged teeth, hearing loss and jaw problems. A quick visit with your oral surgeon is worth the price to avoid these potential issues.

If you’re suffering from TMJ syndrome, call our office today. We’ll help you get the relief you need!

Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure done for a variety of reasons, often because there isn’t sufficient room in the mouth.

Sometimes it can be hard to decide if removing your wisdom teeth is the right choice for you. It’s especially difficult if you read conflicting information about the procedure.

We’re here to set the record straight. Below we shoot down four myths about wisdom teeth removal and give you accurate information.

1. MYTH: Your Teeth Need to Be Removed

Some people think that everyone needs to get their wisdom teeth removed. The truth is that some people will have problems with their wisdom teeth in their life, but most won’t.

People get their wisdom teeth removed for several reasons. One is because wisdom teeth can cause pain or dental problems when positioned incorrectly.

However, if your wisdom teeth are in the right spots, you won’t have to worry about this.

 2. MYTH: Everyone Has Wisdom Teeth

Surprise! Not everyone has the same number of teeth. Some people have all four wisdom teeth; others have three, two, one or none.

There is nothing wrong with you if you don’t have all your wisdom teeth. In fact, this will actually make the process of removing them much easier.

 3. MYTH: Your Dentist Can Predict if or When They Erupt

Not all wisdom teeth emerge, but when they do, they can cause problems for those who struggle with good dental hygiene.

Because the wisdom teeth are at the back of the mouth, they are difficult to reach and more plaque and germs can accumulate.

Your dentist will not be able to use X-rays to predict when your wisdom teeth will erupt. That’s why getting them removed early can be helpful.

4. MYTH: Wisdom Teeth Removal Is Painful

The last myth usually comes through exaggerated stories. In reality, wisdom teeth removal is a relatively painless process. It can be done in less than an hour and often requires only a few days of recovery.

During the procedure, your oral surgeon will give you a local anesthetic to the numb the area. You can also choose other types of sedation that make you more relaxed or even unconscious. With any of these options, you won’t feel any pain.

If you have questions about wisdom teeth removal, call Richmond Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and learn more about the process.