Could You Have TMJ Disorder?

You may be experiencing TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder, a common dental condition. TMJ disorder happens when the joints that hold your jawbone to your skull (the temporomandibular joints) become sore or inflamed. Because these joints allow you to engage in everyday activities like talking and chewing, your dentist in Burke thinks that it’s important to know the signs and treatment options for TMJ disorder. If you’re suffering from this disorder, you may be experiencing aches or pains in your jaw. Your mouth may feel stiff, and you might even have a hard time opening and closing it.

There are many potential reasons for TMJ disorders to develop. For some people, symptoms are caused by a mix of several different factors. The possible causes may include injury, arthritis, and genetics. Grinding or clenching your teeth, perhaps because of stress, can play a role in this condition as well. Often, people with alignment issues develop TMJ disorders.

Common Symptoms Associated with TMJ Disorders 

The reasons behind TMJ disorders are diverse, and so are the symptoms. TMJ disorder can often cause problems like:

1. Discomfort that affects your jaw or the structures around it (such as your neck or ear)
2. Feeling like you can’t open and close your mouth without a lot of pain
3. Jaw sounds, such as pops and clicks
4. Being unable to open your mouth very far — perhaps feeling like your jaw is locked
5. Pain and sensitivity when chewing or biting
6. Frequent tinnitus (ringing in the ears or similar sounds)
7. Repeated headaches

Any of these symptoms could indicate that you have a TMJ disorder, so it’s a good idea to see your dentist in Burke if you’re experiencing them. The dentist can learn more about your situation by examining your jaw, reviewing your medical history, and discussing your current jaw troubles. Often, dentists do X-rays as well so that they have an image of your jaw. If the evidence points to a TMJ disorder, you’ll receive a diagnosis and start discussing a treatment plan.

What Are the Treatment Options for TMJ Disorders 

TMJ disorder and its effects can be frustrating, but help is available from your dentist. There are a variety of options available, so you and your dentist can collaborate to develop a plan that works for you. Your treatment regimen will be built around the severity of your condition and the causes behind your disorder. If necessary, the dentist may recommend surgery, but non-surgical treatments are effective for the majority of patients. A non-surgical treatment plan might include medication, physical therapy and lifestyle adjustments. When you land on the right combination of interventions, your pain may start to decrease, and your jaw mobility and function may begin to improve.

How to Treat TMJ Disorder Without Surgery

Physical therapy can be a great approach to treating TMJ disorders in a non-surgical way. At a physical therapist’s office, you might learn exercises and stretches to help reverse the effects of TMJ disorders. You will build muscle strength and develop the flexibility of your jaw. Additionally, the dentist might suggest that you take anti-inflammatory medications to bring down the pain, stiffness, and swelling associated with this condition.

Also, dentists often recommend that their patients make lifestyle adjustments such as:

1. Watching your diet — staying away from chewy, crunchy, or hard foods
2. Not biting your fingernails or chewing on pens and water bottles
3. Getting stress relief through meditation, yoga, and self-care activities
4. Taking care not to overextend your jaw when singing, shouting or yawning

Visit a Dentist in Burke for TMJ Disorder Help

As part of your healing process, you might benefit from dental appliances prescribed by your dentist. One option is an oral splint, which is a removable device that slides over your teeth. Splints are useful for correcting issues like clenching and grinding, and they also relieve joint strain. Some splints may also provide short-term positioning help for your jaw. If you need additional alignment correction, orthodontic treatment could be the answer. Your dentist may refer you to an orthodontist who can use braces, retainers, or other dental appliances to move your jaw and teeth into better positions. While orthodontic treatment is an extended process, it can be quite effective for TMJ disorder treatment over the long term.

Some patients do undergo surgery. Surgical treatments are typically reserved for severe cases that don’t readily respond to other interventions. TMJ disorder surgeries range in their intensity. Some focus on small changes, such as removing fluid from your jaw. Others make major corrections, such as putting artificial joints in place of your natural temporomandibular joints.

Please see your dentist in Burke if you are experiencing signs of TMJ disorder. Dental professionals have the training and experience to provide accurate diagnoses. They can also develop treatment plans that fit a patient’s specific needs and concerns. The sooner you get effective treatment, the more likely it is that you’ll keep the disorder from progressing. Dental care can also help you find relief from your current TMJ disorder symptoms. 

Temporomandibular joint disorder is an oral health condition with varied causes. Factors that may cause someone to develop a TMJ disorder include family traits, long-term stress, arthritic damage, injuries and teeth grinding. The symptoms include stiffness and pain in the jaw and the surrounding area as well as abnormal jaw sounds.

We hope that you’ll turn to your dentist in Burke when you start to experience the signs of TMJ disorder. A dentist is your best source for an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan that supports you and your oral health. Our office welcomes your questions about symptoms and treatments, and we also look forward to assisting you with the overall wellness of your teeth and gums. Please call our dental practice today to schedule a time for discussing your TMJ disorder and how it’s affecting your life.