The Four Stages of TMJ Disorder

January 17, 2020
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Does your jaw or the area around it hurt every time you open or close your mouth? Do you also experience constant tenderness in the same area? If yes, then you may have TMJ Disorder. A TMJ disorder is a serious condition that affects your temporomandibular joints. It causes disturbing pain in the jaws, neck, face, and ears. Fortunately, there various TMJ Tampa FL treatments available, including surgery. In this article, we will discuss the stages of TMJ disorder.

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What are the Stages of TMJ Disorder?

Stage 1

The beginning of a TMJ disorder is marked by a mild or irregular clicking of the jaw. There’s also usually no pain in the beginning. But if you notice a popping or clicking sound in your jaws, then you should visit a TMJ treatment center. Diagnosing TMJ at an early stage will allow treatment using less expensive procedures.

Stage 2

Stage 2 of TMJ disorder involves frequent clicking or popping of your jaws every time you move them. In this stage, you’ll also begin to feel severe pain in the area. So, if you noticed that the irregular popping of your jaws has become consistent and you start to feel pain, then it’s a sign that your TMJ disorder has worsened. 

Stage 3

Stage 3 is marked by consistent clicking or popping of your jaws every time you open or close your mouth. Sometimes, you may even experience jaw immobility or locked jaw, chronic headaches, earaches, and facial pain. This is considered to be the most painful stage.

Stage 4

Stage 4 is when the disc in your jaw is dislocated. So, you no longer experience frequent jaw clicking or popping. You’ll also experience less pain, but this doesn’t mean that your TMJ disorder is treated. Your dislocated disc exposes your jaw joint, so when your bone begins to make contact with it, it results to join disintegration.

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Looking for a TMJ Tampa FL Treatment Center?

No matter which stage of TMJ disorder you’re at, it’s never too late to seek treatment! At Lake Park Dental, we offer various solutions to TMJ disorder that will help alleviate the discomfort you feel and treat your TMJ. Contact us for inquires!