TMJ Disorder Treatment
TMJ, or temporomandibular joint dysfunction, is often used generically to describe pain in the joint or jaw region that may be accompanied by a decrease in the ability to open your mouth, popping or clicking, and the inability to chew foods without discomfort.
TMD stands for temporomandibular joint disorder, referring to misalignment or inflammation caused by TMJ. Our experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons will help determine the best TMJ treatment for you. We understand most patients are exhausted from trying to find an effective treatment for TMJ without success. We will determine if you are a candidate for TMJ surgery or another effective solution.
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What Causes TMJ Disorders?
The leading causes of TMJ disorder include:
- Injury to the jaw joints and surrounding tissues
- Dislocation of the ball and socket joint disc
- Bruxism
- Misaligned bite
- TMJ arthritis
- Stress
- Acute trauma
Symptoms of TMJ
The most common TMJ symptoms include:
- Jaw pain
- Difficulty chewing
- Clicking or popping sound in your jaw
- Locking jaws
- Difficulty opening your mouth
- Earache
- Headache
- Chewing problems
- • Tooth pain
Treatments
Most patients come to us once all conservative treatment has been exhausted and are ready to see an oral surgeon to determine if they are a candidate for surgery. Most TMJ patients have worked with their dentist and had appliance therapy, physical therapy, or both without success. We perform a thorough examination before determining the best TMJ treatment for you. The majority of TMJ patients can be treated effectively without surgery. We treat TMJ with muscle relaxers, anti-inflammatory medications, TMJ exercises, and a soft diet. If we’ve exhausted all non-invasive TMJ treatment options and severe pain remains, we may recommend TMJ surgery.
TMJ Home Remedies
While professional treatment is often necessary for TMJ Disorder, there are some simple strategies you can adopt at home to alleviate TMJ discomfort:
Regular Jaw Exercises – Gentle jaw exercises can help increase jaw mobility and promote healing. These exercises often include opening and closing the mouth, gentle side-to-side movements, and stretches.
Stress Management – Stress can intensify TMJ symptoms, making stress management techniques like deep breathing, yoga, and meditation potentially beneficial.
Soft Foods Diet – A diet of soft foods can temporarily relieve TMJ pain by reducing the strain on the jaw joint.
However, these remedies are only part of the solution. If symptoms persist, seeking professional help is important, as more comprehensive treatment may be necessary.
The Wider Impacts of Untreated TMJ
Neglecting TMJ Disorder can have repercussions that extend beyond the jaw. In the long term, untreated TMJ can cause chronic pain in the jaw and the body. It can also lead to irreversible joint damage, making everyday tasks like eating or talking painful. Sleep disruption due to pain can affect both physical and mental well-being. Untreated TMJ can lead to other issues like tinnitus, hearing loss, and vertigo, further reducing the quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
In some cases, TMJ disorder may fade away on its own. These cases include TMJ flare-ups due to stress or a mild injury. If a jaw misalignment causes your TMJ disorder, chronic pain can only be reduced with the proper treatment. We will help determine your type and severity of TMJ.
TMJ disorder is often painful and affects a patient’s daily life. Many patients suffer from tooth grinding, chronic pain, and neck tension that affects their overall health. Most people with TMJ lose sleep and cannot perform daily activities. Lack of sleep can lead to insomnia, sleep apnoea, depression, and imbalanced cortisol rhythms. The long-term effects of TMJ can have a profound negative impact on your life.
