Jaw pain after a car accident? It's more common than you'd think

Your jaw is very delicate: it doesn't take much impact to cause a serious injury.

People don't usually associate TMJ or jaw pain with car accidents. The truth is: jaw pain after a car accident is incredibly common and it can cause long-term damage if left unchecked.

As a dentist in the greater Indianapolis area, I see this fate all too often.

Unfortunately, many people also tend to misidentify the symptoms of TMJ or jaw pain as something less significant. TMJ is very serious and includes a broad range of painful symptoms.

Keep these common symptoms in mind if you recently experienced a car accident. I also want you to understand their solutions.

Whatever the cause, one thing is certain: jaw injuries are painful and uncomfortable.

They can make chewing difficult, cause headaches, and even trigger long-term problems.

Dislocated Jaw

A dislocated jaw frequently produces obvious symptoms. You may not identify a dislocated joint as the culprit or source of pain.

I would suggest anyone with the following symptoms see a dentist as soon as possible:

• Pain under your ear. It's usually on one side of the face and gets worse when you open or close your mouth.
• Your teeth feel "off" or aren't lining up properly
• You can't close or open your mouth all the way
• Problems chewing or talking

Fractured or Broken Jaw

TMD or TMJ after a car accident may not produce obvious symptoms like a fracture, break, or dislocation.

I see it often: a patient suffers a car accident and now she has a broad range of painful symptoms that turn out to be TMJ from the car accident.

Here are some of the most common symptoms:

1. Migraines and headaches
2. Ringing in the ears
3. Dizziness
4. Back and neck pain
5. Clicking or popping in the jaw
6. Muscle spasms in the face
7. Trouble chewing, opening the mouth, or talking
8. Sleep apnea

TMJ Whiplash Treatment

TMJ from a car accident is often caused by whiplash.

You may not notice the symptoms until days or weeks later after a lot of damage occurs. That's why I believe it's important to see a TMJ specialist as soon as possible after a car accident whether or not you have obvious symptoms.

Whiplash causes significant damage to your jaw joint that makes your head feel heavy. TMJ whiplash treatment requires a comprehensive approach from an experienced and highly-trained specialist.

TMJ Car Accident Settlements

I want you to receive the best care possible – you deserve good health.

I spoke with Joseph Bryant from Cogswell and Associates who regularly handles motor vehicle accidents to see what suggestions he had for accident victims. His #1 recommendation was to call your doctor first, even before calling your lawyer. After you’ve had an examination, talk to your legal representative about filing a claim if you face jaw pain after a car accident.

Your insurance company may very well honor personal injuries including TMJ whiplash treatment.  Talk to your lawyer about TMJ car accident settlements.Talk to your legal representative about filing a claim if you face jaw pain after a car accident. Your insurance company may very well honor personal injuries including TMJ whiplash treatment.

No one should have to suffer long-term damage from TMJ or jaw pain after a car accident.

Talk to your lawyer about TMJ car accident settlements.