TMJ Disorder
If jaw pain, headaches, or clicking disrupt your day, TMJ treatment can help. Personalized care relieves discomfort, improves bite alignment, and restores comfortable movement so that you can eat, speak, and smile with confidence again and enjoy better oral health.
What is TMJ?
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder refers to problems affecting the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, which help you speak, chew, and yawn. When this joint becomes irritated or misaligned, it can lead to symptoms such as jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, headaches, and difficulty opening or closing your mouth. TMJ issues may result from stress, teeth grinding, injury, or arthritis. The good news is that many cases can be managed with conservative treatments, helping you restore comfort, function, and confidence in your daily life through care from our dental team.
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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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 on their own, 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 on its own. 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
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What causes TMJ disorder?
Common causes include jaw injury, teeth grinding or clenching, arthritis, and a misaligned bite. Stress may also contribute to increased jaw muscle tension. In some cases, the exact cause isn’t clear. If you notice pain, clicking, or difficulty opening your mouth, a dental evaluation can help identify the source and guide effective treatment options for relief and care.
Learn More About TMJ Disorder Treatment?
If you have more questions about TMJ disorder or what treatment options are available, please reach out to our team!
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