What is TMJ?
TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder, is a condition that affects tissues in your jaw joints. Often uncomfortable, TMJ can negatively affect your quality of life. Treatment with the specialists at the Center for Advanced Dentistry can offer you relief.
What are the symptoms of TMJ disorders?
The following symptoms might indicate you have a TMJ disorder:
- Aching facial pain
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Aching pain near your ear
- Jaw joint discomfort
- Pain with chewing
- Jaw joint locking
- Popping or clicking sounds
- Pain when opening your mouth
TMJ pain can range in severity from mild to very uncomfortable. See your dentist if the pain doesn’t subside within a few days or becomes severe.
What are the risk factors for TMJ disorders?
TMJ disorders can develop when a disc in your jaw joint moves out of its proper alignment or erodes. TMJ pain might also result from cartilage damage or a blow to your jaw. Risk factors for developing TMJ include teeth clenching or grinding, arthritis, and connective tissue diseases.
How does my dentist diagnose TMJ?
Your dentist can diagnose TMJ after reviewing your symptoms and examining your mouth and jaw. They observe your jaw’s range of motion and ask you to identify areas of discomfort. Your dentist also uses dental X-rays to evaluate your jaw better, diagnose the severity of your condition, and develop a treatment plan.
What are my options for TMJ treatment?
Specialists at the Center for Advanced Dentistry personalize TMJ treatments based on your needs and preferences. The might recommend:
Lifestyle changes
Making lifestyle changes can sometimes reduce TMJ symptoms. Examples include not chewing gum, applying moist heat or ice to your jaw, and practicing relaxation techniques.
Physical therapy
Your dentist can show you stretches and jaw strengthening exercises to alleviate TMJ discomfort and give you a better quality of life. Massaging the area can also help.
Mouthguards
Wearing a mouthguard or oral splint can alleviate TMJ pain. It helps reduce teeth grinding and clenching while you sleep.
Medications
Your dentist might recommend anti-inflammatory medications or muscle relaxants to relieve TMJ discomfort.
Injections
Injecting corticosteroids or Botox® into your jaw joint can alleviate pain associated with TMJ disorders.
Minimally invasive procedures
If other TMJ treatments haven’t worked for pain relief, your dentist might recommend a minimally invasive procedure to remove inflammatory byproducts and debris or repair the tissues in your jaw.
Don’t live with TMJ pain if it negatively affects your life. Schedule an appointment by phone or online today with the experts at the Center for Advanced Dentistry.
