Trigeminal Nerve

Your body has numerous nerves throughout that allow you to feel pain and sensation. You even have nerves in your jaw. Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), or jaw joint, is closely associated with the trigeminal nerve. Today, your Reno dentists, Dr. William Wager and Dr. Brian Evans, explain what your trigeminal nerve is and what it has to do with your TMJ.

TMJ and the Trigeminal Nerve

Two of the most important structures in your face are the temporomandibular joint and the trigeminal nerves.

• TMJ: Your TMJ or jaw joint is the most active joint in your body. It helps you chew, speak, breath, and swallow over 2000 times a day. The above repetitive motions can cause fatigue and stress resulting in injury of the jaw muscles especially since your jaw muscles can exert up to 200 pounds of pressure each time they clamp down.
• Trigeminal Nerve: The trigeminal nerve provides over half of the input to your brain and 40 percent of the input to your head and face. With three branches, the following senses and functions involve the trigeminal nerve: chewing, swallowing, talking, breathing, kissing, seeing, hearing, your sinuses, and your teeth, and can result in problems with the ear drum, jaw muscles, eustachian tubes, and tongue, among other things.

TMJ Injury

When your TMJ is injured or out of alignment the trigeminal nerve can cause pain throughout your head, face, and neck. Some of the symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder can include:

• Neck pain
• Dizziness
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Headaches and/or migraines
• Grinding between TM joints
• Clicking or popping of the jaw joints

About Your Reno Dentists

Dr. William Wager, Dr. Brian Evans, and our highly experienced team at Wager Evans Dental are devoted to our patients and their families, and dedicated to providing first-rate dental care in a comfortable, inviting environment. Located in Reno, we proudly welcome residents from Spanish Springs, Sparks, Incline Village, Dayton, Fernley, and all surrounding communities. To schedule a consultation or your next dental appointment, visit our office, or contact us today by calling (775) 800-4845.

About The Author

Dr. Brian Evans

Dr. Brian Evans, the current owner of Wager Evans Dental, initially worked as a CPA before transitioning to dentistry to make a greater impact on people's lives. He joined his father-in-law to expand a three-decade-long legacy in the northern Nevada community, eventually taking over the practice. Dr. Evans prioritizes a comfortable environment for his patients and stays at the forefront of dental technology and medical techniques through continuous education and advanced training, focusing on oral and systemic health.

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