What Is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder is a broad term that encompasses a wide variety of different issues that affect the health of your TMJ as well as the jawbone, and the muscles and ligaments attached. These issues can significantly impact the functions of your mouth and interfere with your life. They also often cause severe pain in the jaw and joints. There are several issues that can lead to TMJ disorder:
- Facial trauma. Trauma can result from a car accident, a fall, a sports injury and more.
- Jaw dislocation. Dislocation, even if it is only for a few seconds, can irritate the joint, causing inflammation.
- Bruxism. This is a condition in which you clench and grind your teeth. Stress often causes it, and it frequently occurs at night. The excessive amounts of pressure you place on your jaws tire the muscles and irritate the joints.
- Arthritis. There are two types of arthritis that can contribute to TMJ disorder. Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the cartilage in the joints begins to break down. Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition in which your immune system attacks your tissues, including at the joints, causing inflammation.
What Are the Symptoms of TMJ Disorder?
Because there are so many different causes of TMJ disorder, there are different symptoms that you may experience. These symptoms do not occur immediately. Instead, they come on gradually. Some symptoms may not even seem related to the TMJ, or the mouth at all, which can lead you to believe you have an entirely different issue. Common symptoms of TMJ disorder include:
- Severe pain at the joints, the jaw, and the surrounding facial regions.
- Difficulty or pain opening and closing your mouth.
- Trouble eating or speaking.
- Hearing or feeling a clicking, popping, or grinding in the jaw.
- Your jaw may temporarily lock open or closed.
- Chronic headaches and earaches. Headaches are often caused by the stresses placed on the jaw traveling to different areas of the skull. Earaches occur due to the proximity of the ears to the TMJ. Pain from the joints can radiate to the ears.
How Is TMJ Disorder Diagnosed?
Diagnosing TMJ disorder involves a thorough oral exam. We first visually examine your mouth and your face. We check your teeth for alignment issues and assess wear patterns on your enamel. We check your bite to determine jaw alignment issues and check for areas of pain. After a visual exam, we will also take images. This may include x-rays, 3D imaging, CT scans, or CAT scans. The images allow us to see the roots of your teeth, your bones, your muscles, and your joints. Your full exam gives us a complete picture of your oral health, allowing us to determine the cause of your TMJ disorder so we can help you to get the treatments you need.
What Treatments Are Available?
There are a variety of different treatments for dealing with TMJ disorder. These treatments include:
- Home remedies: This may mean OTC pain medication, ice and heat packs, sticking to a soft foods diet, and practicing relaxation techniques.
- Oral appliances: An oral appliance, or oral splint, is a type of device that resembles a mouthguard. It is made from an impression of your mouth and is meant to be worn while you sleep. In cases of bruxism, it helps to hold the jaw in proper alignment and cushion against the pressures your jaw tries to place on the joints and muscles.
- Orthodontic treatments: Orthodontics may be recommended to correct crooked teeth or a misaligned jaw.
- Oral surgery: Surgical options are saved for extreme cases, and when no other treatments have proven effective.
With proper treatment, we can help to alleviate your TMJ issues, helping to restore your oral health and improve your quality of life. For more information, and to schedule your consultation, call Shenandoah Family Dentistry today at 540-773-0234.
Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ & TMD Treatment
What can cause TMJ or TMD symptoms?
TMJ disorders can have several causes, including facial trauma, jaw dislocation, teeth clenching or grinding, arthritis, bite problems, and stress-related muscle tension. Identifying the underlying cause is an important part of choosing the right treatment.
Why does my jaw click or pop when I open my mouth?
Clicking or popping can occur when the structures within the temporomandibular joint move differently than expected. Occasional sounds without pain may not require treatment, but persistent sounds accompanied by pain, locking, or difficulty moving the jaw should be evaluated.
What should I do if my jaw locks open or closed?
Jaw locking can be a sign of a TMJ disorder and should be evaluated, particularly if it happens repeatedly or causes significant discomfort. A thorough examination can help determine what may be affecting the joint.
Can teeth grinding contribute to TMD?
Yes. Repeated clenching and grinding can place considerable pressure on the jaw muscles and temporomandibular joints. An oral appliance may be recommended in some cases to help manage the effects of nighttime bruxism.
What happens during a TMJ evaluation at Shenandoah Family Dentistry?
The evaluation may include an examination of the teeth, bite, jaw movement, facial areas, and points of discomfort. Depending on the findings, dental X-rays or other imaging may be recommended to better evaluate the teeth, bones, and jaw joints.
Are oral appliances used to treat TMJ disorders?
An oral appliance may be recommended for certain TMJ problems, particularly when clenching or grinding contributes to jaw discomfort. The appliance is custom-made based on the individual’s mouth and treatment needs.
Will I need surgery for a TMJ disorder?
Not necessarily. Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the condition. Conservative approaches and oral appliances may be considered before surgery, while surgical treatment is generally reserved for more complex cases when other approaches have not provided adequate relief.
When should I schedule a TMJ consultation in Winchester, VA?
Consider an evaluation if jaw pain, recurring headaches, difficulty opening your mouth, painful chewing, jaw locking, or persistent clicking and popping is affecting daily activities. Shenandoah Family Dentistry in Winchester can evaluate your symptoms and discuss appropriate treatment options. Call 540-773-0234 to schedule a consultation.
