The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can become problematic if it’s under a lot of stress or something damages it. TMJ disorders occur when the joint is dysfunctional, causing issues throughout the head and face. At Tyler Family Dental, we treat TMJ disorders as part of our restorative dentistry services.
What are TMJ Disorders?
TMJ disorders are problems that affect the temporomandibular joint, the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. These disorders can cause pain and discomfort in the jaw, face, or even around the ears. The TMJ allows you to chew, talk, and yawn, so when it isn’t working right, it can make these everyday actions difficult or painful.
There are a few different types of TMJ disorders, and various factors can cause them. One common cause is injury to the jaw or joint. If you’ve had a direct hit to the face or jaw, the TMJ might become dislocated or damaged. In some cases, teeth grinding (called bruxism) can lead to TMJ issues, as the constant pressure wears down the joint. Stress can also contribute to TMJ disorders because it often causes people to clench their jaw or tense the muscles around the joint.
TMJ disorders may also arise from arthritis, which can wear away the cartilage in the joint. When the cartilage wears down, the bones may rub together, leading to inflammation and pain. Another possible cause is misalignment of the jaw or bite, where the upper and lower teeth don’t fit together properly. This can put extra stress on the joint and lead to discomfort.
Signs and Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
Knowing the signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders is important so you can recognize when there’s a problem and seek help.
One of the most common signs of a TMJ disorder is jaw pain or tenderness. This pain can range from mild to severe and can feel like a dull ache or sharp pain. It may be felt on just one side of your face or both sides. The pain usually occurs around the joint, right in front of the ears, but it can also spread to other areas of the face, neck, or shoulders.
Another symptom is difficulty moving your jaw. You may find it hard to open or close your mouth, or your jaw may feel stiff. In some cases, the jaw can even get “stuck” in an open or closed position, making it difficult to eat, speak, or yawn.
Many people with TMJ disorders also notice popping, clicking, or grating sounds when they move their jaw. This noise may happen when you chew, talk, or yawn. Sometimes, the popping or clicking is painless, but it can be accompanied by discomfort in other cases. These sounds occur when the joint isn’t moving smoothly or when the cartilage that cushions the joint is worn down.
Headaches are another common symptom of TMJ disorders. The pain can range from a dull ache to a throbbing sensation, similar to a tension headache or migraine. These headaches often start around the temples or behind the eyes and can spread down to the neck. Many people with TMJ disorders don’t realize that their jaw problems are causing their headaches.
Ear pain or fullness is also a symptom of TMJ disorders. Even though the problem is with the jaw, the pain can feel like it’s coming from inside or around the ears because the temporomandibular joint is close to the ear canal. Some people with TMJ disorders experience ringing in their ears, known as tinnitus.
Neck and shoulder pain can occur because the muscles around the jaw and neck are connected. When the jaw isn’t functioning properly, it can cause tension in the neck and shoulders. This can lead to muscle soreness or stiffness in those areas.
In some cases, people with TMJ disorders may notice that their bite feels off or that their teeth don’t fit together as they should. This can happen because the joint is misaligned, affecting how the upper and lower teeth meet.
Other less common symptoms include dizziness and toothaches. Dizziness can occur when the TMJ isn’t functioning properly because the joint is near the inner ear, which controls balance. On the other hand, toothaches can result from teeth grinding or clenching, which often goes hand-in-hand with TMJ disorders.
TMJ Treatment in Tyler, TX
Oral appliance therapy is a common and effective treatment for TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders. This treatment involves wearing a custom-made device that fits over your teeth, similar to a mouth guard or splint. The appliance helps realign the jaw, relieve pressure on the joint, and reduce teeth grinding or clenching, which are common causes of TMJ pain.
One of the most common types of oral appliance is a stabilization splint, also called a bite guard or night guard. This device is typically worn while sleeping and is designed to prevent the upper and lower teeth from touching, reducing strain on the TMJ. By keeping the teeth separated, the appliance helps ease muscle tension and prevents the jaw from clenching, allowing the joint to relax and heal.
Another type of appliance is the repositioning splint, which helps guide the jaw into a more natural and comfortable position. This is particularly useful if a misaligned bite is contributing to TMJ disorder. By encouraging proper jaw alignment, the repositioning splint can reduce stress on the joint and improve overall function.
Oral appliance therapy can also address teeth grinding (bruxism), which is a major contributor to TMJ pain. By cushioning the teeth and preventing grinding, the appliance protects the teeth from damage and minimizes pressure on the jaw joint.
For many patients, oral appliance therapy relieves TMJ symptoms like jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty moving the jaw. It is a non-invasive, simple, highly effective option, especially when combined with other treatments like physical therapy or stress management. A dentist can customize the appliance to ensure a perfect fit, making it a comfortable and practical solution for managing TMJ disorders.
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Get the care you need if you think you may be suffering from TMJ. Call us or schedule a consultation to get started.