Each and every day you eat, speak, and sometimes yawn. All of these actions and others involve the movement of joints and associated muscles in your face. Also involved in these movements are nerves. Sometimes, as we carry out these actions of daily life, discomfort or pain arises. Depending on the location, symptom and type of pain you may be experiencing TMJ disorder or Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN). Dr. Reyhani and Dr. Hakimzadeh offer thorough examinations to determine your condition and possible actions towards relieving your irritation.
What is TN?
Attached to the brain, the trigeminal nerve is one of 12 pairs of nerves conducting sensations throughout the lower, middle, upper sections of the face, including the oral cavity. The 12 pairs of nerves are allocated through three separate branches per section of the face (lower, middle, upper).
Unfortunately, more than one branch can be affected by the disorder, and in rare occurrences both sides of the face can be affected, which is called bi-lateral TN.
Trigeminal Neuralgia exists as a chronic condition affecting the nerves of the most widely distributed nerve network in the cranium (head). When a single branch, or pair of nerves are disturbed, discomfort or pain may occur.
What is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the side of the head at the temporal bone. If you were to press your fingers just in front of your ear and open and close your mouth, you would feel the TM joint. The joint acts as a hinge for when we open and close our mouth during speaking, eating, or yawning.
The TM joint is different from other joints in the body, because it slides and hinges, instead of just hinging. It remains the most complex joint in the body.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder involves discomfort or pain in the jaw joint or muscles associated with jaw movement.
TN Symptoms
Trigeminal neuralgia pain usually occurs due to nerve damage or nerve lesions, meaning pain is associated with nerves and not the muscles. The following list (non-exhaustive) are some of the most common symptoms for TN:
- Pain ranging from a constant burning ache to a sudden stabbing sensation
- Pain lasting anywhere from a few seconds to around two minutes
TMJ Symptoms
Temporomandibular joint disorder causes various symptoms involving the TM joint and associated muscles in the neck, face, and jaw. The following list is a list of common symptoms:
- A change in fit between the upper and lower jaw
- Popping, clicking, or grinding of the jaw joint, causing pain or discomfort
- Lock jaw or limited jaw movement
- Radiating discomfort or pain in neck, face, or jaw
About Downey Family And Cosmetic Dentistry
Come visit Dr. Ben Reyhani and Dr. Pasha Hakimzadeh for a TMJ disorder consultation. Our skilled dentists also provide a variety of other restorative, preventive dentistry, and cosmetic services for the entire family. Downey Family Cosmetic Dentistry serves patients from Downey, Lakewood, Whittier, Pico Rivera, Norwalk, and surrounding communities. If you would like to schedule a consultation, call us at (562)472-2433.
