TMJ

TMJ Q&A;

If you suffer from jaw pain, especially when you open and close your mouth, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder could be why. At Inspira Advanced Dentistry, the expert dental team offers TMJ treatments to relieve jaw discomfort. Call the office to schedule an appointment or book one online today.

What are TMJ disorders?

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joints, the joints in your jaw that link your lower jawbone to your skull. TMJ joints allow you to open and close your mouth. Millions of Americans experience TMJ pain in their face, jaw, or neck caused by TMJ disorders. Treatment at Inspira Advanced Dentistry reduces discomfort and improves your quality of life.

What are the symptoms of TMJ disorders?

TMJ pain often presents as one of the following symptoms:

• Jaw pain or tenderness
• Face pain
• Ear pain
• Neck pain
• Severe or dull aching pain
• Ringing in the ears
• Recurring headaches
• Jaw stiffness
• Popping or clicking sounds in the jaw
• Decreased jaw joint range of motion
• Jaw locking
• Pain when chewing, talking, or yawning

If the jaw pain is severe or affects your quality of life, see the Inspira Advanced Dentistry team for an evaluation.

What are the risk factors for TMJ disorders? 

The cause of TMJ disorders isn’t always known. Risk factors for developing TMJ pain include:

• Jaw clenching
• Teeth grinding
• Facial or jaw muscle stress
• Jaw trauma
• Eroding of jaw discs
• Jaw misalignment
• Arthritis
• Jaw injuries
• Connective tissue diseases

If you have a family history of TMJ pain, your risk of developing the condition rises.

How does my provider diagnose TMJ disorders?

Your dentist diagnoses TMJ problems after talking with you about your symptoms and medical history. They examine your jaw joint and its range of motion and often recommend X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI to find the underlying cause of TMJ discomfort. 

What are common treatments for TMJ pain?

The treatments available to reduce TMJ pain include:

Home remedies

Things you can do at home to reduce jaw discomfort include relaxing facial muscles, stretching, massage, and using heat or cold packs. Reducing stress can ease jaw clenching and teeth grinding.

Medications

Medications help reduce TMJ discomfort and relax tight jaw muscles.

Injections 

Botox® and steroid injections can reduce TMJ pain caused by inflammation or jaw clenching.

Myofunctional therapy 

Myofunctional therapy exercises and stretches help ease jaw pain associated with TMJ disorders. They also reduce your risk of a repeat of TMJ discomfort.

Oral appliances

You can wear oral appliances (mouthguards) to prevent teeth grinding and jaw clenching for TMJ pain relief. Your Inspira Advanced Dentistry provider customizes dental appliances to fit your teeth and mouth perfectly.

Don’t live with TMJ pain when you don’t have to. Schedule an appointment with Inspira Advanced Dentistry by phone or online today.