TMJ disorder, also called “TMD,” temporomandibular disorder, temporomandibular joint syndrome, or temporomandibular joint dysfunction, is a painful problem that some dental patients face. Fortunately, treatment can be very simple. Fennell, Yoxthimer, and Associates, DDS can help our Cincinnati patients address their TMJ disorder and feel relief from jaw pain.
What is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ stands for “temporomandibular joint,” which is the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull. The major symptoms of TMJ disorder are facial pain, neck aches, or ongoing pain in this joint or the muscles that control jaw movement. TMJ disorder patients may also feel aching in or around the ears or throughout the face, difficulty chewing or pain while doing so, or locking of the jaw joint. Many patients also experience a clicking sound or grating sensation while opening their mouths or chewing.
What is TMJ Therapy?
There are several treatment options for TMJ. Patients may be given nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and muscle relaxants by their doctor or dentist to relieve pain and inflammation or to relax the facial muscles. Oral splints or mouth guards that fit over the upper and lower teeth are also available to relieve TMJ pain and jaw locking. Physical therapy, including exercises for the jaw muscles, heat or ice, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), are also an option for pain relief.
Your dentist may find that your TMJ dysfunction can be treated at-home through lifestyle changes or simple remedies. In these cases, your dentist may recommend relaxation techniques like stretches or massage for the jaw muscles or applying warm or cold compresses to the side of your face. You may also be advised to avoid sticky or chewy food or chewing gum and eat soft foods to relieve the jaw muscles. Your dentist will also recommend that you avoid gum chewing, teeth grinding, and nail-biting.
Surgical and other dental procedures are sometimes the most effective options in diagnosing and treating TMJ symptoms. These include various types of surgery performed on the jaw joint to relieve inflammation and debris, surgery for the mandible to address TMJ indirectly, open-joint surgery to repair or replace the joint, or corticosteroid injections. A TMJ arthroscopy may also be done to diagnose your TMJ disorder.
Who is a Candidate for TMJ Therapy?
In some cases, you can relieve TMD symptoms on your own without requiring therapy. However, if symptoms persist over time or the health of your teeth, gums, or jaw is affected, your dentist may recommend TMJ therapy. If you feel persistent pain or discomfort as a result of TMJ, schedule an appointment with your dentist.
Schedule an Appointment
To develop a treatment plan for your TMJ, schedule an appointment with Fennell, Yoxthimer, and Associates, DDS. Call our Cincinnati office at (513) 631-6600 or request an appointment online to get started.
