TMJ Treatment
Marysville, WA
The temporomandibular joint links your jaw to the skull. When it is damaged or injured, it results in a pain disorder known as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome or temporomandibular disorder (TMD). According to dentists, TMD may be caused by issues with the jaw muscles or with particular aspects of the jaw muscle itself. Misalignment of the teeth or jaw, injury to the teeth, teeth grinding, arthritis, gum chewing, and poor posture may also be reasons for developing TMD.
Symptoms of TMD
Here are some of the common symptoms associated with TMD:
| • | Jaw clicking or popping |
| • | Popping in the ears |
| • | Ear pain or earache |
| • | Headaches |
| • | Pain near the temples |
| • | Sore or stiff jaw muscles |
| • | Locking of the jaw joint |
| • | Tired feeling in your face |
| • | Trouble chewing or discomfort while biting |
| • | Swelling on one side of the face |
Diagnosis of TMD
Several TMD symptoms are similar to those caused by tooth decay, gum disease, arthritis, and sinus problems. To diagnose your condition correctly, your dentist will question you about your health history and carry out a dental exam.
They may move your jaw joints to check for pain and tenderness by listening to pops, clicks, or grating sounds when you move them. Your dentist is also likely to test your bite and look for issues with your facial muscles.
In order to diagnose correctly, your dentist may take proper face X-rays to get a clear picture of teeth, jaws, and temporomandibular joints. Other tests that may need to be carried out include magnetic resonance imagery (MRI) and computer tomography (CT).
The MRI can help your dentist understand whether the TMJ disc is in its position as your jaw moves, while a CT scan displays the bony detail of the joint.
Treatments for TMD
Most of the time, TMD is simply managed rather than cured. For many patients, TMD tends to go away on its own. Treatment often involves you and your dentist determining together the techniques that would be most suitable for your particular condition.
If TMJ is caused by tooth or jaw issues, dental treatments may be best for treating it. Your dentist may suggest braces to realign your teeth and jaws to allow your mouth to close properly.
On the other hand, if teeth grinding or clenching is a cause of TMJ, then your dentist may ask you to wear a dental appliance such as a bite plate or splint. This will keep your upper teeth from grinding against the lower ones, and prevent wear and tear of the teeth. In certain cases, we could also recommend a nightguard.
Your dentist may also recommend self-care practices for relieving TMJ symptoms. These include:
| • | Subluxation:Reducing jaw movements, such as yawning, singing, or yelling. |
| • | Switching to a softer diet |
| • | Avoiding chewing gum |
| • | Applying heat or ice packs |
| • | Practicing relaxation techniques to ease jaw tension, such as meditation |
Your dentist may also recommend certain exercises for the jaw muscles, or prescribe medication if you are suffering from pain or inflammation. If you feel any of the symptoms of TMD, schedule an appointment with us at Grove Street Family Dentistry by calling us at (360) 659-3200 today.
