Dr. Mogell Dental Blog

Boca Raton Cosmetic Dentistry

TMJ and Earaches

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

TMJ and Earaches

Why is it so often that we hear from patient's that they go to their Ear, Nose & Throat doctors complaining of an earaches only to be told.. there is nothing wrong with your ears? The next logical place for the physicians to look for a diagnosis is in the temporomandibular joint.

Why?

For one thing there is a direct connect of ligaments, arteries and nerves that travel from the area within the temporomandibular joint into the ear. The ear and the temporomandibular joint are only separated by a thin bone called the tympanic bone.

If one begins to experience deterioration of the structures within the temporomandibular joint, the body in its endeavors to compensate for this weakening will attempt to realign itself using the musculature of the head and neck placing stress on all anatomical structures within the temporomandibular joint including those directly connected to the ear. This can impede oxygen carrying blood flow or impinge nerves causing the sensation of pain in the ear.

Early diagnosis and treatment is imperative if alleviation of the symptoms is to occur. If you should be experiencing ear pain that has not responded to conventional medical treatment, please give us a call at 561-394-9000. We can arrange for a consultation to determine if your pain is in fact originating from your temporomandibular joint.

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.