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You are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > Women's Health > Family, Internal Medicine, General Medical Questions > Jaw bone and face.
Expert: Robert Borucki - 11/8/2009
Question
Hi,
Thanks for reading my question. I know you are an ER doctor and really this isn't an emergency but I was curious as to what you thought or if you can't answer,what specialist might.
I am 55 and years ago lost my upper molars on my left side. I am pretty sure I have TMJ.Ok that being said I was curious about something I recently noticed. The muscles on that side of my face twitch now and then and it feels a little swollen at times or stiff. My jaw alignment isnt correct when I bite down but this is what bothers me the most. I notice where the jaw connects on the left side there is a bump on either side which I assume is normal skeletal bone but underneath the one on the left side there is a kind of dip or sunk in place about the size of a quarter.
As far as pain or anything it really doesn't bother me..its just that I notice it when I check the mirror. I have lost a little weight over the last few months from diet..and I have done this before but never noticed this. Could this be something serious or just reduction of muscle there since I lost weight or because I don't chew on that side.
I looked at the human scull and it looks to be right under the jaw bone on that side where the jaws join the scull. If you look at my face its just about middle ways by the ear. I was just kind of worried this might be something like cancer or something and then I thought maybe because of my age 55 and losing weight its showing up.
Thanks in advance for anything you can tell me.. Michael
By the way im 6 ft weight 174 pounds and am in pretty good shape. I just had a check up and all was good, I just forgot to ask the doctor then.
Answer
The weight may have a lot to do with it... when you lose weight, you lose some off the face and the contours change.
The missing molars can really aggravate TMJ because you chew off center now. The twitch may be related... but a little twitch occ doesn't set off any bad red flags. Also, if you grind your teeth at night, this can aggravate it. I would suggest you try and normalize the bite by molars, bridge, implants, etc.
Hope this helps
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