TMJ disorder is a condition affecting the jaw, specifically in the location where the lower jaw connects to the skull. Patients experiencing TMJ pain and other symptoms often do not know who to call. Do you see your primary care physician, a dentist, or someone else for TMJ disorder? Here’s what you need to do to seek treatment for TMJ.
What is TMJ?
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, the location on each side of the face where the lower jaw connects to the skull. The TMJ is an unusual joint in that it rotates in small opening and translates forward in larger opening. The movement and the position of the lower jaw is controlled by multiple groups of muscles.
What is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder occurs when the joint becomes irritated, inflamed, misaligned, or otherwise damaged. Clenching and grinding teeth can result in muscle spasms that prevent the jaw from moving as it should, resulting in difficulty chewing and other symptoms.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
The following symptoms commonly indicate TMJ disorder:
- Pain in the jaw
- Pain in the temple region of the head
- Pain in the ear
- Limited range of motion in the jaw (difficulty opening your mouth)
- Headaches
- Neck pain
- Popping or clicking sound when talking, chewing, yawning, etc.
- Muscle tension in the jaw and/or face
Causes of TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorder can be caused by any of the following:
- Strain. The majority of TMJ disorder cases are caused by muscle spasms. This may occur due to repetitive use such as clenching, grinding, chewing, talking, singing, etc. Chewing something particularly hard or chewy can strain your jaw.
- Malocclusion (Bad Bite). When the teeth and bite are out of alignment, such as a severe overbite, it can result in muscle spasms.
- Injury. A blow to the side of the face or jaw can cause the TMJ to become misaligned or damaged. The disc that cushions the joint can even slip out of place in some cases.
- Other health conditions. Arthritis and autoimmune disorders that affect the joints can cause TMJ disorder.
Experiencing TMJ Symptoms? Call Your Dentist
In addition to teeth, dentists are experts in the anatomy and physiology of the jaw. This makes us uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat TMJ disorder. Patients often don’t know who to call when experiencing TMJ symptoms, especially when they include ear pain. TMJ is commonly misdiagnosed as an ear infection because the pain often resonates in the ear canal due to its close proximity to the TMJ. Dentists can also analyze the condition and placement of the teeth, which can affect jaw alignment and function and indicate a problem.
Treatment for TMJ Disorder
When it comes to treatment for TMJ disorder, the first thing we recommend is ice and rest. Apply ice to the sides of the face where the TMJ is located. Rest your jaw as much as possible. Eat soft foods and refrain from talking unless absolutely necessary. You can also take over the counter pain medication, specifically anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen.
If your symptoms persist after a few days or a week, contact Hamden Dental Arts. We can provide further treatment options to relieve your symptoms. In many cases we can identify the cause of the disorder and prevent it from recurring.
Call 203-248-7400 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ Disorder
Does TMJ treatment require surgery?
In most cases TMJ disorder can be treated without surgery. We always recommend other treatment options first, starting with the most conservative and moving gradually to more invasive treatments if necessary. Surgery is a last resort if all other treatment fails to provide relief.
Is TMJ the same as lockjaw?
Lockjaw is a term used to refer to tetanus, a bacterial toxin that causes the muscles of the neck and face to tense up and the jaw to lock shut. This is totally unrelated to TMJ disorder. However, severe TMJ disorder can make it difficult to open and close your mouth, which is why these terms are sometimes confused.
TMJ is the term often used to describe TMJ disorder, which is a common condition. It affects the temporomandibular joint located on each side of the head where the lower jaw connects to the skull and the associated muscles that control the position of the lower jaw. TMJ disorder can cause a range of symptoms that can be bothersome to the affected person.
If you think you may have TMJ disorder, you may be wondering how it is treated and if it can be permanently cured. While flare ups are normal, a permanent cure may be possible that will provide lasting relief.
What is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder is a condition affecting the temporomandibular joints (TMJ). The TMJ are located in the temple region of the head or right in front of the opening of the ear. You can feel these joints moving when you open and close your mouth. They can become irritated due to a variety of causes, resulting in pain and other symptoms.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
The symptoms of TMJ disorder may or may not include any of the following:
- Pain in the jaw
- Headaches in the temple region of the head
- Limited ability to open and close your mouth
- Popping or clicking sound when you chew or move your jaw
- Pain inside the ear that mimics an ear infection
- Ringing in the ears
- Tension in the facial muscles
- Neck pain
- Change in bite pattern
What Causes TMJ Disorder?
There are a variety of potential causes of TMJ disorder, including:
- Injury to the face or jaw. A bump or blow to the jaw or face could put pressure on the TMJ or knock one or both of the joints out of alignment.
- Excessive chewing. If you constantly chew on gum or other snacks throughout the day it can cause your TMJ to be overworked and become inflamed.
- Eating hard or chewy foods. Chewing hard or chewy foods like jerky, nuts, tough meat, hard candy, etc. can put excess strain on your TMJ.
- Teeth grinding. Chronic teeth grinding or clenching also puts strain on your TMJ.
- Chewing or biting non-food items. Chewing on things that are not meant to be eaten or opening things with your teeth can cause TMJ disorder.
- Malocclusion: Having a bad bite can create spasms in the muscles controlling the position of the lower jaw.
Curing TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorder can be treated and in many cases completely cured. Start with self treatment and seek professional treatment if symptoms persist for a week or more.
Self Treatment for TMJ Disorder:
- Apply ice to the side of the face in the location of the TMJ. Cold reduces swelling and inflammation.
- Rest your jaw as much as possible. Eat a diet of soft foods that don’t require chewing. Minimize talking when possible.
- Take anti-inflammatory pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, or generic).
Professional Treatment for TMJ Disorder:
- Your dentist can provide you with a bite splint to stabilize your jaw and help it move in proper alignment.
- Injectable medications can relieve inflammation and strengthen the joint.
- If no other treatment provides relief, surgery may be necessary to reconstruct the joint.
Who Provides Treatment for TMJ Disorder?
If you have signs or symptoms of TMJ disorder, contact your dentist to schedule an evaluation. Dentists not only specialize in the treatment of teeth, but also the jaw that supports the teeth and helps them work.
Hamden Dental Arts provides a variety of treatments that offer lasting relief of your TMJ symptoms. We take a conservative approach to TMJ treatment, starting with the least invasive measures and resorting to surgery if it is the only effective option.
To learn more, call 203-248-7400 or contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is the joint connecting the jaw and skull. Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD) is the proper name of the painful symptoms that can arise from different causes. Fortunately, the condition is reversible in most cases given proper treatment.
What is TMD Syndrome?
The acronym TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. The joint is located on either side of your jaw and is responsible for connecting your jawbone to your skull. TMD syndrome involves pain in the joint itself and the surrounding muscles.
Is TMD Common?
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research reports that up to 12 million Americans have TMD and related disorders.
Symptoms of TMD
When the muscles and joints are irritated, patients can exhibit various symptoms. These may include jaw pain, headaches, shoulder and neck pain, popping and clicking noises from the jaw, and pain or ringing in the ears.
Doctors sometimes misdiagnose ear pain and headaches from TMJ, sending patients to ENTs or neurologists. Whenever a patient has this type of pain, doctors and dentists should consider TMJ.
Causes of TMD
95% of TMD symptoms are muscular in origin.There are multiple contributing factors for TMD. Clenching and grinding teeth (Bruxism), usually associated with stress is the most common. Trauma is also related and it is responsible for damage to the joint itself. Pain can come from arthritis as well as genetic factors, but these are more rare.
A poor bite frequently is associated with TMD. People who chew gum too often may develop the condition. Musicians can also develop the disorder due to repetitive motions.
Treatments for TMD
Dentists have many treatment options for tmj. Since most cases of TMD are muscular in nature, conservative therapy is the first option. After a comprehensive work up, the first option is the fabrication of an appliance (night guard) that is designed to foster muscle relaxation. In some cases where symptoms continue, physical therapy (PT) is recommended and is usually very successful. In cases where the bite is really bad, orthodontic therapy may be necessary to correct the bite.
Some dentists use Botox to relax the tight jaw muscles. Acupuncture may also work, along with other alternative therapies.The use of these modalities should be tried only after all conservative therapies have been exhausted.
In extreme cases, dentists may recommend surgical treatment. There are several types of TMJ surgery:
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a less invasive alternative to open-joint surgery. The surgeon accesses the joint through a narrow tube and uses tiny instruments to complete the procedure.
Using arthroscopy, surgeons can relieve pain and swelling, reshape the joint, remove scar tissue, and inject the targeted medication.
Arthrocentesis
Arthrocentesis involves injecting special fluid into the joint, which washes away inflammation. It is a non-invasive, front-line treatment with a high success rate.
Open-Joint Surgery
The surgeon can remove bone and tissue causing pain during an open-joint procedure. The joint, bone, or cartilage may be fused and need separation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there anything I can avoid doing to make TMJ less painful?
Avoid eating chewy or hard foods, including raw carrots, apples, ice, pretzels, and gummies. Simply holding your mouth open can cause more irritation. You may want to reschedule routine dental visits if you have pain on any given day. Also, if you are a musician, try to reduce the time you practice while experiencing pain.
Are there home remedies I can use?
Ice helps at the onset of pain, replaced by moist heat after the first day. As stated above, avoid chewy or crunchy foods while your jaw hurts. Try to reduce your stress levels. You can also take over-the-counter pain medication.
Does TMD affect overall health?
Yes, untreated TMD disorders can damage your overall health. If you are in constant pain, you may be unable to sleep. You may avoid eating, leading to poor nutrition or blood sugar issues.
In addition to headaches and jaw aches, you could experience nausea and dizziness. You may be unable to turn your head correctly, leading to lower flexibility.
How likely is it that my TMD will come back after treatment?
If you are careful with lifestyle changes, you may be able to avoid a recurrence. Stay away from stress as best you can. Avoid chewing gum for long periods. Continue to wear your night guard appliance.
Treating and Preventing TMD
If you have TMD, you may have given up hope that your pain will someday ease. Dentists have many treatment options for the disorder. In most cases, dentists can reverse it over time.
Make an appointment with your dentist today to discuss your jaw pain and determine whether TMD is the cause.
Call Hamden Dental Arts
You don't have to live with the intense pain of TMD. Call Hamden Dental Arts at 203-248-7400 if you are experiencing pain in your jaw and believe you may have TMJ.
TMJ pain begins in the jaw, but its symptoms extend well beyond the temporomandibular joints. Unfortunately, the longer you wait to address TMJ disorder (TMD), the more likely it is that serious symptoms will develop. Dr. Halim treats TMD by first diagnosing the cause, then putting together a customized treatment plan that targets the underlying reason for your pain. When TMJ is left untreated, you may experience the following symptoms:
Chronic Jaw Pain and Joint Damage
Jaw pain may be intermittent when you first start experiencing dysfunction in the temporomandibular joint; your symptoms may only flare up in times of stress, when you’re eating chewy foods, or if you open your mouth too wide.
The TMJ suffers from wear and tear over time, leading to chronic discomfort and other related symptoms in the joint, such as jaw cracking, popping, and locking. You may experience pain in your face, neck, and shoulders as a result of dysfunction in the jaw joints.
If the bones in your TMJ have degenerated to the point that they no longer function properly, you may need surgery for your TMJ disorder. Taking a proactive approach to TMD treatment can help you avoid this.
Headaches
TMJ disorder is often associated with tension headaches and migraines. In fact, headaches are one of the most prevalent symptoms of TMD. When caused by ongoing joint dysfunction and inflammation, headaches can be chronic and impact your quality of life. If you take medication for these headaches, as soon as it wears off, the pain returns because the root cause of your headaches—TMJ disorder—is never resolved.
Compromised Oral Health
The teeth grinding and jaw clenching that often cause TMD can wear away your tooth enamel over time and leave your teeth prone to fractures. Dysfunction in the temporomandibular joints can also cause abnormal tooth wear and asymmetrical muscle growth, which can affect your facial appearance.
Hearing Problems
Patients frequently have TMD symptoms in their ears because the temporomandibular joints are so close to the ear canals. Tinnitus (ringing in the ears), which can make it difficult to sleep and focus, as well as feelings of fullness or pain in the canals, can occur if TMJ is left untreated. TMJ-related inflammation can lead to dizziness, vertigo, and unsteadiness because the body's sense of balance is located in the inner ears.
Treating TMJ Disorder
Dr. Halim takes a conservative approach to treating TMJ disorder, which means starting with self-managed care. Techniques like hot and cold therapy, physical therapy exercises, and eating a soft foods diet can often treat mild cases of TMD. If these treatments don’t help alleviate your pain, we may suggest an oral appliance to prevent teeth grinding and jaw clenching while you sleep or Physical Therapy to relax tension in the muscles surrounding the TMJ. Only as a last resort would we refer you to an oral surgeon for surgical treatment.
Learn More About TMJ Disorder
If you think you may have TMJ disorder, contact us today at 203-248-7400 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Halim.
Are you suffering from a TMJ disorder? TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint, which is the official name of the location where your lower jaw attaches to your skull. Like any other joint in your body, you can experience problems with your TMJ, resulting in MPD (Myofascial Pain Dysfunction Syndrome)
MPD is treatable and most patients are able to get complete relief from the symptoms associated with this condition. What are the symptoms of a MPD disorder? Here are the biggest indicators.
Signs and Symptoms of MPD Disorders
If you have a TMJ disorder, you may experience any or a combination of the following symptoms:
- Pain in the jaw. If you have pain where your lower jaw hinges near your ear or temple, you may have TMJ disorder. Inflammation of the joint causes pain in that portion of your jaw. The pain may also extend to the muscles in your cheeks and under your chin.
- Headaches. A common symptom is a constant or recurring headache, especially in the temple area of your head.
- Limited movement of the jaw. TMJ disorder can make it difficult to open your mouth as far as you should be able to without pain or resistance.
- A clicking or popping sound when moving the jaw. You may experience a clicking or popping sound when you open and close your mouth to chew, speak, or yawn. You may also feel the disk shifting inside the joint.
- Ear pain. Because the TMJ is located next to the ear, it is common to feel pain in the ear as well, which is often mistaken for an ear infection.
These are the most common symptoms. But if you are experiencing any other related symptoms, be sure to discuss them with your dentist.
What Causes MPD Disorders?
What happens that causes the TMJ to become inflamed or irritated? 95% of MPD symptoms are muscular in nature. There are a number of possible triggers that contribute to the development of this condition, such as:
- Strain on the joint. If you chew gum a lot or eat particularly hard or chewy foods your muscles may become strained from overuse. Long dental procedures can cause symptoms.
- Stress. Stress can affect the body in many negative ways. Some people hold stress in the form of tension in their jaw, which can result in clenching, resulting in muscle spasms.
- Teeth grinding or clenching. If you grind or clench your teeth, either at night while you’re sleeping or during the waking hours without realizing it, you are putting undue strain on the muscles surrounding the TMJ that can cause spasms.
- Rheumatoid arthritis. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis affect the joints in the body, including the TMJ.
- Injury. A blow to the jaw while playing a sport or from an airbag in a car accident can traumatize the TMJ causing inflammation and pain.
Treatment of TMJ Disorder
TMJ will often work itself out with some simple home remedies. You can apply ice to your jaw to reduce the swelling, eat soft foods, and try to rest your jaw as much as possible. You can also take over the counter pain relievers.
If your TMJ is the result of teeth grinding, consider getting a mouthguard to protect your teeth and relieve the strain on your jaw.
If TMJ symptoms persist, contact your dentist and schedule a consultation. In some cases additional therapy may be required to relieve your TMJ disorder. The last resort is surgery, which is only performed if no other treatments have provided relief.
Hamden Dental Arts Provides Conservative Therapy for TMJ Disorders
Are you experiencing the symptoms of a TMJ disorder? Hamden Dental Arts can provide you with conservative TMJ therapy and treatment options to relieve your pain and increase the range of motion in your jaw.
Call 203-248-7400 or contact us today to schedule a consultation. We look forward to providing you with relief of your TMJ symptoms.