TMJ Disorder
TMJ can be treated through various treatment options. If you experience jaw pain, there are ways to diagnose and treat it so you can live peacefully.
What is TMJ?
If you are experiencing an aching jaw, pain or tenderness in the jaw joints, or discomfort when chewing, you might be experiencing Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD). The most common type of TMD is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ), which affects the hinge connecting the jaw to the skull. This joint is located just below the ears on both sides of the face.
Diagnosis & Treatment
First, we will discuss any risk factors contributing to your pain. Next, we’ll conduct an examination that includes listening to your jaw, feeling it move, and pressing areas to determine the source of the pain. X-rays or 3D images might also be taken, and in some cases, an MRI may be necessary to assess potential damage to the disk or soft tissues.
Medications
We suggest starting with over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen. In some cases, doctors may prescribe an antidepressant to help control bruxism and improve sleep. Additionally, muscle relaxants may provide relief for some patients.
Oral appliances
Oral appliances are effective in treating TMJ. At Jersey Smiles, we offer hard and soft appliances that can be worn at night to alleviate bruxism. These help with TMJ Pro, protect the teeth from wearing down and prevent excessive pressure on dental work, which can lead to cracking and breaking. Our custom-fit night guards are comfortable to wear during sleep. If oral appliances don’t provide relief, surgical intervention may be considered, and we can discuss the available options during your appointment.
In addition to medication and oral appliances, alternative TMJ treatment options that may help relieve pain or stress include:
- Avoiding foods that overwork the jaw muscles
- Applying heat and cold to the area
- Acupuncture
- Meditation or other relaxation strategies
- Massage
- Physical therapy
While we initially prefer a conservative approach to treatment, there are surgical options for treating TMJ disorder. If you don’t find relief from the noninvasive treatments, we can help you connect with a doctor who can evaluate your case and determine if surgical intervention is appropriate.
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How do I know if I have TMJ?
It’s not possible to diagnose yourself, but there are common symptoms you can watch out for. If you experience any of these symptoms and they do not go away independently, you must visit a dentist for an official diagnosis and a treatment plan.
In most cases, jaw, ear, or facial pain is temporary and resolves independently. However, if the pain persists and over-the-counter medications or home remedies no longer provide relief, please contact us.
Common signs and symptoms include:
– Jaw pain
– Tenderness in the jaw
– Ear pain
– Pain while chewing
– Achy facial pain
– Jaw joint locking–getting stuck in an open or closed position
– Headaches -
What causes TMJ Disorder?
It can be challenging to pinpoint the exact cause of TMJ disorder. However, several factors can contribute to its development. Some common causes include erosion of the disk between the jaw bones, displacement of the disk, arthritis in the jaw joint, trauma, teeth grinding, high-stress levels, and potentially a genetic predisposition.
More Questions?
If you have more questions about TMJ Disorder, please contact our office and we will be happy to discuss further.
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