More than 10 million Americans suffer from TMJ disorder!
What is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joints connect the jawbone to the skull. Located at the sides of the head near each ear, these joints play an essential role in eating, speaking, and making facial expressions. In fact, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most frequently used and complex joints in the entire body.
Symptoms of TMJ
TMJ disorder can develop when one or both of the temporomandibular joints stop functioning properly. The symptoms associated with TMJ disorders will vary from person to person, depending on the unique causes of their discomfort.
This may cause:
- Chronic ear pain
- Jaw stiffness
- Difficulty opening the mouth
- Jaw popping or clicking
- Frequent headaches
TMJ and Jaw Joint Pain
Jaw joint pain is one of the most common complaints. Clicking, popping or grinding sounds are frequently noticed when a person chews and yawns.
TMJ and Ear Pain
Because the TMJs are located right next to the ears, they can be an unexpected source of ear pain.
Headaches and TMJ
Moderate-to-severe headaches can be caused by TMJ disorders. Because the jaw joints are not functioning properly, they can strain muscles and ligaments that attach to the skull, and even pinch nerves. Along with headaches, neck pain can occur.
TMJ and Tooth Pain
Patients who routinely clench or grind their teeth may experience tooth pain. When you clinch your teeth, extreme pressure is felt by your teeth and jaw joints, leading to pain.
Classifications of TMJ
The causes and symptoms of TMJ disorder are so varied that three main sub-categories were created to help your doctor develop more effective treatment options for your specific needs:
- Myofacial pain
- Internal derangement of the joint
- Inflammatory joint disease
Causes of TMJ
- The disk erodes or moves out of its proper alignment.
- The TMJ is dislocated
- Habitual clenching and grinding of the teeth
- Misaligned bite
- Arthritis
- Traumatic Injury
In many cases, however, the cause of TMJ disorders isn't clearly defined. Risk factors include being a woman between the ages of 30 and 50, having deformed facial bones at birth, suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue or sleep disorders.
Treatment for TMJ Disorders
Most cases of TMJ syndrome are temporary; thus, treatment is usually conservative.
Early home care starts simply:
- Rest the jaw
- Using warm compresses
- Use pain medication
- Eat soft foods
- Avoid gum or chewy foods
- Use stress reduction techniques
- Use gentle jaw muscle stretching exercises
Bite Plate
If home care is not enough, we may fit you with a splint or bite plate to reduce clinching or grinding. This is a plastic guard that fits over your upper or lower teeth, like a mouth guard in sports.
More Invasive Techniques
If conservative and non-invasive techniques do not work, you may consider more invasive techniques. An oral surgeon can perform surgery to open and clean out the joint. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), part of the National Institute of Health (NIH), advises that if surgery is recommended, you seek other independent opinions before proceeding.
We recommend a conservative approach to treating TMJ symptoms. After a thorough examination of your jaw joint and its articulation with the surrounding structures, we will determine the causes of your TMJ condition and develop a conservative treatment plan to alleviate your symptoms.