The temporomandibular joint, also known as TMJ, is a joint that connects the skull to the lower jaw. Tendons support this joint and feature a specialized disk between the two bones, acting like a hinge. The TMJ can sometimes become compromised for various reasons, such as injury, stress, arthritis, bruxism (teeth grinding/clenching), dislocation, and improper bite. TMJ disorder can cause you to experience an intense level of pain and discomfort. Thankfully at Graceful Smiles, Dr . Tripthi Shetty can relieve your TMJ pain with the latest treatments.
Understanding TMJ Disorder
TMJs are highly intricate joints within the body, supported by numerous muscles, that enable the movement of the mandible in different directions. In proper alignment, these joints work together seamlessly with associated muscles, ligaments, and bone structures, allowing for smooth actions like chewing, talking, yawning, and swallowing. However, this joint system’s misalignment or lack of synchronization can lead to numerous complications.
TMJ disorder encompasses a range of conditions affecting the muscles of the jaw, the temporomandibular joints, and the associated nerves that can cause persistent facial, neck, and head pain.
The Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorder can present in many different ways. Some common symptoms include:
- Tenderness and pain in your jaw
- Pain around the ear
- Pain from one or both temporomandibular joints
- Facial pain
- Painful chewing
- Difficulty opening and closing the mouth (locked jaw)
Treating TMJ Disorder
Treating TMJ disorder can involve a combination of therapeutic strategies and treatments such as lifestyle modification, injections, bite correction, and surgery,
- Lifestyle changes: Lifestyle changes can include things such as:
- Jaw exercises
- Reducing stress through mindfulness exercises and meditation
- Switching to a soft food diet
- Avoid opening your jaw too wide when yawning
- Not chewing gum
- Using ice and heat packs
- Massaging jaw muscles
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- Bite Correction: Personalized dental splints prevent tooth grinding, maintain proper teeth alignment, and lessen clenching. When it comes to moderate TMJ symptoms, dental bite guards are a popular recommendation. Studies show that splints can alleviate TMJ pain, and the possibility of long-term consequences is minimal. There are two primary variations of dental splints: a TMJ mouthguard and a bruxism mouthguard for teeth grinding.
- Appliance therapy depending on the symptoms.
- Laser :biomodulation with the laser gives instant relief from pain, it can be used for bruxism too, it’s normally given in conjunction with the appliance therapy.
- Surgery: TMJ surgery is usually a last resort because of its invasive nature. However, there are a few procedures an oral surgeon can perform to reposition and repair parts of the TMJ. Sometimes, those damaged parts may need to be removed and replaced. Jaw surgeries usually involve general anesthesia and have a lengthy recovery time.
Becoming Pain-Free
If you are experiencing symptoms of TMJ, it’s a good idea to seek advice from a knowledgeable dentist, even if the symptoms often resolve independently. They can guide you on the quickest, safest, and most effective way to treat TMJ disorder. Please call Graceful Smiles at (732) 432-0123 to schedule your consultation with our dentists. You can also visit us at 577 Cranbury Road, Suite C-1, East Brunswick, New Jersey.