If you’ve ever experienced pain or discomfort in your jaw, you may have heard of TMJ, short for temporomandibular joint disorder. This condition affects millions of people worldwide and can cause a variety of symptoms, from headaches and ear pain to difficulty chewing and speaking. At The Dental Office of Dianna Wohlstein, DMD, we understand the impact that TMJ can have on your daily life, and we are here to provide comprehensive care and support to help you find relief. There are various treatment options available, depending on the severity and type of TMJ disorder. These may include lifestyle changes, such as stress management and jaw exercises, or more advanced therapies, such as dental splints, medications, or surgery. A proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan from Sawgrass Dental Center of Dr. Diana Wohlstein, DMD in Sunrise FL can help you find relief and improve your quality of life. Whether you’re a long-time sufferer or just starting to notice symptoms, we’re here to help you get back to feeling your best.
What is Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)?
Temporomandibular disorder (TMD), also known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), is a condition that affects the joint that connects the jawbone to the skull. This joint is one of the most complex joints in the human body, and when it is not functioning properly, it can cause a range of painful symptoms.
Symptoms of TMD can include pain or tenderness in the jaw, face, or neck, difficulty opening or closing the mouth, clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth, and headaches. Some people with TMD may also experience a locking of the jaw, making it difficult to open or close the mouth.
Causes of TMJ
The causes of TMD are not always clear, but several factors have been identified as potential triggers. These can include a misalignment of the teeth or jaw, teeth grinding or clenching, arthritis in the joint, and injuries or trauma to the jaw.
Diagnosing TMD can be challenging, as there is no single test to confirm the condition. A healthcare provider will typically perform a physical exam, take a medical history, and order imaging tests, such as X-rays or an MRI, to rule out other potential causes of the symptoms. Additionally, dentists may use diagnostic techniques such as measuring the range of motion of the jaw or assessing the patient’s bite to aid in the diagnosis of TMJ.
Unusual TMJ Symptoms
There are certain signs of TMJ that often go ignored because people don’t realize there is a correlation. These signs include:
- Hearing loss: In rare cases, TMJ can cause hearing loss or tinnitus (ringing in the ears). This is because the temporomandibular joint is located close to the ear, and when it is not functioning properly, it can affect the surrounding tissues.
- Neck and shoulder pain: TMJ can cause pain and tension in the neck and shoulders, as well as headaches and migraines. This is because the muscles and nerves in the jaw and face are interconnected with those in the neck and shoulders.
If you experience any of these symptoms or signs, it’s important to schedule a consultation with our Sunrise TMJ dentist to determine if TMJ treatment is necessary.
Common Symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)
Jaw Pain
Pain in the jaw is one of the most common symptoms of TMJ. The pain may be felt in one or both sides of the jaw and may be dull or sharp in nature. The pain may also be accompanied by a feeling of tightness or stiffness in the jaw.
Clicking or Popping Sounds
Many people with TMJ experience clicking or popping sounds when they open or close their mouth. These sounds are caused by the movement of the jawbone over the disc that separates the jawbone from the skull.
Difficulty Chewing or Opening the Mouth
TMJ can make it difficult to chew food or open the mouth wide. Some people may feel like their jaw is “locked” or “stuck” in a certain position, making it difficult to move the jaw at all.
Headaches
TMJ can cause tension headaches, which are often felt in the temples or the back of the head. These headaches are caused by the muscle tension that is associated with TMJ.
Ear Pain or Ringing
TMJ can cause pain or ringing in the ears. This is because the temporomandibular joint is located close to the ear, and when it is not functioning properly, it can affect the surrounding tissues.
Facial Pain
TMJ can also cause pain in the face, particularly around the cheekbones or temples. This pain may be constant or intermittent and may be accompanied by a feeling of pressure or tightness in the face.
More Questions about TMJ?
Contact our office today to schedule a consultation. We can answer any questions about TMJ treatment and address any issues unique to your specific situation. We look forward to seeing you.
What to Expect During a TMJ Examination
Expect Questions
During the exam, our dentist will ask about your medical history and any symptoms you are experiencing to pinpoint the source of discomfort.
Expect a Physical Exam
Our dentist will perform a physical examination of the jaw, including checking for pain or tenderness and assessing your range of motion. You will be asked to open and close your jaw in order to check your bite and alignment.
Expect X-rays
We may also take X-rays or other imaging tests to further evaluate the joint and surrounding structures. Based on the findings, your dentist will develop an appropriate treatment plan to help manage your TMJ symptoms.
Ready for a TMJ Consult?
Contact our office today to schedule a consultation. We can answer any questions you have about TMJ and address any issues unique to your specific situation.
Lifestyle Modifications and Home Remedies
For most patients, TMJ symptoms can be improved with some of the following lifestyle modifications:
- Reduce stress and practice relaxation techniques
- Use over the counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatories
- Practice jaw exercises as instructed by your dentist
- Use warm compresses
- Eat softer foods during TMJ flareups
- Avoid chewing gum
- Be mindful of overextending the jaw when yawning
- Massage therapy to relieve tension in jaw muscles
If you experiencing TMJ pain, call us to schedule a TMJ evaluation with our Sunrise TMJ dentist.
Sunrise TMJ Treatment Options
For those with moderate to severe TMJ symptoms, treatment options include:
- Bite Correction: Custom dental splints called “mouth guards” can reduce and manage TMJ pain. A bruxism mouthguard will help provide cushioning against tooth grinding and reduce pain. A TMJ mouthguard will also reduce clenching and keep the teeth aligned. For some patients, orthodontic treatment provides the perfect solution. Dental braces can straighten the teeth and aligning the jaws to eliminate TMJ pain.
- Injections: Injections of corticosteroid can reduce inflammation and chronic jaw pain. Botox injections can also be used to paralyze the jaw muscles to alleviate symptoms and prevent clenching.
- Surgery: Arthroscopy, anthrocentesis and jaw surgery are options for the most severe cases of TMJ. These are procedures that are only performed by oral or maxillofacial surgeons and should only be considered after non-invasive options have been exhausted.
If you are suffering from TMJ pain, call us today for a consultation.
Why is TMJ Treatment Necessary?
TMJ treatment is necessary to alleviate pain and discomfort associated with TMJ disorders. If left untreated, TMJ disorders can worsen and cause long-term damage to the jaw joint and surrounding structures. TMJ treatment can improve jaw function and restore proper alignment of the jaw. It can also improve overall quality of life by reducing pain, headaches, and other symptoms associated with TMJ disorders.
