According to Esurance, one in 366 people will get into a car accident on a 1,000-mile trip. Although these aren’t large odds, car accidents can still happen. One of the most common injuries that occur because of a car accident is whiplash. Unfortunately, car accidents aren’t the only way you can get whiplash. It’s also fairly common in sports accidents or taking a bad fall. Whiplash is a painful neck injury that can have you feeling sore for weeks to come and even result in other complications. One of these complications is affecting the integrity of the temporomandibular joint – potentially cause it to become displaced. This may result in jaw pain, difficulty opening the mouth, a locked jaw, and much more.
If you were in a car accident or another type of accident or injury and you’re suffering from TMJ symptoms, the Center for TMJ and Sleep Apnea can help you find long-term pain relief. Please contact Dr. Pribyl at our Lee’s Summit, MO office to schedule a consultation at (816) 795-1000 today.
Whiplash and TMJ
The Journal of the American Dental Association claims that one in three people who get whiplash are at risk of developing delayed TMJ symptoms that require professional treatment.
When a person endures whiplash, it can cause the muscles in the lower jaw to experience a heightened amount of pressure. This can cause the jaw and head to experience opposite forces of pressure, resulting in excess pressure on the temporomandibular joint. It’s also possible for the disc that acts as a cushion between the lower jaw and skull to become displaced. Whiplash can also contribute to TMJ disorders by causing myofascial pain, or arthritis in the jaw.
Symptoms of TMJ After Whiplash
If you experience whiplash and experience any of these symptoms, it’s possible you also have TMJ.
- Jaw, neck, head pain
- Frequent headaches and migraines
- Discomfort when eating and biting
- Clicking or popping in the jaw
- Clogged or painful ears
- Sensitive teeth
- Ringing in the ears
Diagnosing and Treating TMJ After Whiplash
At The Center for TMJ and Sleep Apnea, Dr. Pribyl has seen numerous patients who have suffered injuries at work, car accidents, sports, and other ways. He realizes every case is unique and requires each patient to have a customized treatment plan. Our ultimate goal is to design a better quality of life for you.
We use advanced dental technology including our Galileos 3D cone Beam Scanner, K-7, and T-Scan. These pieces of technology allow us to see what’s exactly going on inside your head, neck, and jaw, if your jaw is imbalanced, and where your bite rests. If we discover that you indeed have TMJ, we will come up with a treatment plan that works best for you and your particular needs. With proper treatment, you can live pain-free and improve the quality of your life.
TMJ Treatment That Works
If you suffered from whiplash previously and have any of the symptoms of TMJ, it’s important to visit us for an evaluation as soon as possible. Once we provide you with a proper diagnosis, we can give you the necessary treatment to end your pain for good.
Contact the Center for TMJ and Sleep Apnea in Lee’s Summit, MO for TMJ diagnosis and treatment options that work. Call (816) 795-1000 today to schedule an appointment.
