Our TMJ dentist is an innovator in TMJ treatment, and for the past several years, he has been training other dentists and medical doctors on the latest techniques to treat TMJ. He treats TMJ using the most advanced technology available today combined with the most revolutionary TMJ treatment techniques; countless lives in the Detroit area have been changed through highly effective TMJ treatment. Many of these patients initially sought help for chronic ear pain and were surprised to learn that their symptoms were actually related to TMJ dysfunction.
One of the challenges of diagnosing TMJ is that the symptoms affect so many different areas of the body it’s not always glaringly obvious that someone is suffering from Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ/TMD). Symptoms such as jaw pain, headaches, facial discomfort, tinnitus, and persistent ear pain are often mistaken for other conditions. Dr. Jeffrey S. Haddad, Detroit TMJ dentist, has extensive training and education in TMJ diagnosis and treatment. He has diagnosed TMJ in many people who had been misdiagnosed in the past, including patients who spent years searching for answers to unexplained ear pain. Through comprehensive evaluation and treatment, he has provided much-needed relief to people who have suffered from TMJ for years, even decades.
Dr. Haddad has hundreds of hours of continuing education in TMJ and sleep disorders like Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and he completed a TMD and Sleep residency in 2012. His training in neuromuscular dentistry made him realize that he could change lives by diagnosing and treating TMJ. Today, he regularly helps patients overcome chronic jaw dysfunction, headaches, and ear pain by addressing the underlying cause of their symptoms rather than simply managing them.
Why Does TMJ Cause Ear Pain?
The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) connect your jaw to your skull on each side of your head, just in front of your ears. Acting as sliding hinges, they move side to side, up and down, and back and forth, allowing you to chew, speak, and yawn. In fact, the TMJs are the only joints in the human body capable of moving in three different directions.
When these joints become overworked, injured, or misaligned, they may not function properly. This dysfunction can lead to a variety of TMJ symptoms, including jaw pain, facial pain, headaches, tightness, and even ear pain. Left untreated, these symptoms can have a significant impact on your comfort, health, and quality of life.
Or Call (248) 480-0085
The maxillofacial region, which includes the TMJs, is highly complex and closely interconnected. Just think about the numerous ways your maxillofacial region works during 24 hours. The intricate maxillofacial region allows you to easily make facial expressions, talk, eat, yawn, and laugh. However, when joint dysfunction exists, these movements may cause pain.
This intricacy of the maxillofacial region also means TMJ disorders may cause pain and other symptoms in the head, face, and neck. Your ears are located less than half an inch from your TMJs, so ear pain is one of the most common symptoms of TMJ.
Symptoms of ear pain from TMJ may include:
- Dull ear pain
- Sharp ear pain
- Searing ear pain
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Ear congestion (fullness)
- Difficulty hearing
- Dizziness
- Vertigo
Inflammation and swelling from TMJ often spread, resulting in tension headaches and pain behind the eyes. You may also experience symptoms in the face, neck, back, and upper extremities.
TMJ Treatment For Ear Pain
As stated above, Dr. Haddad is a leader in the area of dentistry that focuses on TMJ diagnosis and treatment. Neuromuscular dentistry focuses on the relationship between the maxillofacial region’s muscles, bones, cartilage, and nerves. Neuromuscular dentistry emphasizes that when the jaw is in its most relaxed, optimal position, it won’t malfunction and cause trauma to surrounding areas.
TMJ treatment focuses on moving the jaw into its best position using a variety of techniques, including:
- TENS
- Lifestyle changes, including changes in diet, sleep position, and evening habits
- Oral Appliance
- Laser therapy
- Physical therapy
Or Call (248) 480-0085
Learn More About Ear Pain and TMJ
If you’re looking for a Detroit, MI, TMJ dentist, look no further than Dr. Jeffrey Haddad at the Michigan Center for TMJ & Sleep Wellness. Contact us today to schedule your initial evaluation, or you may fill out our online contact form. One of our team members will reach out shortly to answer any questions you may have or assist with scheduling.
Inflammation and swelling from TMJ often spread, resulting in tension headaches and pain behind the eyes. You may also experience symptoms in the face, neck, back, and upper extremities.
Or Call (248) 480-0085
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