TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorders encompass a variety of conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. The exact cause can be difficult to determine and may be due to factors such as arthritis, jaw injury, or excessive teeth grinding.
TMJ Disorder Treatment in Perry, OK
If you experience an aching jaw, pain or tenderness in the jaw joints, or pain when chewing, you may have a Temporomandibular disorder (TMD). The most well-known TMD is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ). The temporomandibular joint is the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. It’s located right beneath the ears on both sides of the face.
Often we can’t tell the exact cause of TMJ. Which can be frustrating for you and for us. However, there are several factors we can look for to see if any apply. Some of the common causes of TMJ can be the erosion of the disk that is between the bones, or the disk can slip out of place. You might also have pain if you have arthritis in the jaw joint. Trauma can also cause damage leading to chronic pain. Some people who grind their teeth at night are more prone to TMJ as are people who have high levels of stress. There may also be a genetic component to TMJ.
At Perry Smiles, we will talk you through all the different causes of TMJ and create a specialized care plan for you.
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How do I know if I have TMJ?
Symptoms of TMJ disorder include persistent jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth, and sometimes headaches and neck pain. An evaluation can help determine if you have TMJ disorder.
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Are TMJ treatments permanent?
Some treatments can provide long-term relief, but TMJ disorders can vary in response. Ongoing management may be necessary to maintain results.
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Is surgery necessary for TMJ disorder?
Surgery is typically considered only for severe cases that do not respond to other treatments. Most patients find relief with non-surgical options.
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What causes a jaw joint problem?
A jaw joint problem is caused by the components of the TMJ changing
shape and become unstable when the joint moves. A small cushioning disc sits between your jawbone and the base of your skull. Sometimes, the ligaments holding this disc become stretched, and the disc pops out of place, either in front of the jaw bone or behind it. The risk factors for a jaw joint problem are:
• Trauma to the jaw
• An unbalanced bite
• Day or night time tooth grinding
• Being double-jointed
• Arthritis in other joints in the body
• Lifestyle choices that require repetitive or prolonged opening of your mouth, such as singing -
What can I do to minimize my risk of future jaw joint problems?
What can I do to minimize my risk of future jaw joint problems? The first step in addressing a jaw joint problem is to have your dentist evaluate your individual risk factors and customize an appropriate management protocol. Your jaw joint management protocol may include:
• Treating an unbalanced bite
• Managing tooth grinding
• Decreasing stress on the jaw through the use of:
– Oral splints
– Medication
– Lifestyle counseling• Increasing jaw mobility through the use of
– Jaw exercises
– Medication
Your jaw joint management protocol has important steps that you must
carry out on your own to decrease your risk of future jaw joint problems.
More Questions?
If you have more questions about TMJ Disorder, or if you would like to schedule an appointment, contact our office and we will be happy to discuss further.