What is the TMJ?
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is a condition affecting the joint between the jaw and the skull. This joint is a complex system of bone, ligament, cartilage, and muscle.
When this joint has been damaged, it may cause pain and significant injury to the surrounding tissues, including the teeth. TMJ disorders can affect the position, sensitivity, and wear of your teeth, as well as cause jaw and tooth pain when eating and talking.
As TMJ disorders can cause other health issues, such as chronic headaches, your primary care physician may refer you to Wall St Dental Spa for treatment.
What causes TMJ pain?
There are several possible causes of damage to the TMJ and finding the underlying cause may be important in helping this painful and potentially damaging condition. These may include:
- Teeth grinding or jaw clenching
- Long-term stress
- Facial trauma
- Dislocation or fracture
- Inflammatory diseases
- Arthritis or other joint conditions
- Uneven bite
Your dentist at Wall St Dental Spa may use X-rays or a CT scan to determine the underlying cause of your TMJ disorder.
What are symptoms of TMJ disorder?
You may have a problem with your TMJ if you hear or feel a pop or hear a click near your ear when you open or close your mouth. You may also have symptoms such as:
- Pain or swelling of the jaw
- Pain or difficulty when chewing
- Pain in, near, or around your ear
- Inability to fully open mouth
- Facial tenderness
- Head or neck aching
- Sinus pain
- Frequent headaches
- Tooth pain or sensitivity
With proper treatment, your TMJ symptoms may be relieved and long-term damage to your teeth and other structures could be avoided.
What are some TMJ disorder treatments?
There are several possible treatment options for helping TMJ pain. Usually, treatment plans start with simple, noninvasive methods to help relieve pressure on the TMJ.
Treatments may include:
- Physical therapy
- Medications for pain or muscle relaxation
- Cold or heat therapy
- Stress relief techniques
- Steroid injections
- Full bite adjustment
- Bite guard therapy
- Splint therapy
Surgery may be needed, but is usually a last resort. Your dental expert at Wall St Dental Spa works closely with you to determine the best approach to treating your TMJ pain.
For a consultation related to your TMJ disorder, call or book an appointment online with Wall St Dental Spa today.
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