A TMJ problem can range from hot and cold tooth sensitivity to lock jaw. In most cases there is muscle pain that complicates all of the other difficulties that the patient is having. Oddly enough, many patients do not have pain in the jaw joints and often do not even know that they have temporomandibular joint dysfunction.

          One serious TMJ problem is when a jaw gets locked out and can not close back into position. In most cases, the entire lower jaw pops out of the joint and can not go back into the joint. For this to happen, the ligaments that hold the lower jaw in place are damaged and stretched. Unfortunately, once stretched these ligaments do not shorten back to normal.

         Another TMJ problem that some patients experience is a closed lock. The patient can not open or move the lower jaw much. This occurs when the disc inside the jaw joint becomes damaged and loses it's normal protective shape. It can then slide forward out of place and block the lower jaw bone from sliding forward.

          In almost all cases, the biggest TMJ problem is the pain that most patients suffer with. It can be occasional or constant. Fortunately, most of this pain originates in the muscles which are spending all of their time trying to reposition the damaged jaw joints.
For a detailed full list of difficulties, visit the TMJ signs and symptoms page.  Dr. Padolsky is dedicated to his patients' good health and well being. You are welcome to join his family of patient by scheduling your first appointment, call 404-874-7428.