Temporomandibular joint disorders are known as TMJ or TMD. These disorders can cause pain, and difficulty with everyday activities like chewing and talking. If you’re experiencing jaw pain, headaches, or other TMJ symptoms, there are treatments available that can help you find relief. We offer personalized TMJ treatment options at Hebron Family Dental in Carrollton, TX.
TMJ treatment is part of restorative dentistry services. Understanding the causes of TMJ, its symptoms, and your treatment options is the first step to restoring comfort and improving your quality of life.
Common Causes of TMJ Disorders
TMJ issues happen when there’s a problem with the jaw joint or the muscles surrounding it. The temporomandibular joints connect your lower jaw (mandible) to your skull, allowing you to open and close your mouth. Several factors can cause these joints to become irritated or misaligned, leading to TMJ disorder:
- Jaw Injury: A direct injury to the jaw or neck, like a fall or accident, can damage the TMJ. Trauma to the TMJ can lead to dislocation, fractures, or inflammation, all of which can result in pain and difficulty moving the jaw. These injuries might also misalign the joint.
- Teeth Grinding and Clenching: Known as bruxism, grinding and clenching can put excessive pressure on the jaw. This not only creates jaw pain. Over time, it can wear down the teeth and lead to constant headaches, toothaches, and jaw soreness.
- Jaw Misalignment: Sometimes, the upper and lower teeth don’t fit together the way they should, which is known as a misaligned bite. This misalignment can create uneven pressure when you chew or speak, causing extra strain on your jaw joint. It can also cause tension in the surrounding muscles and joints.
- Stress: Emotional stress can cause the muscles in your body to tense up, and this includes the muscles in your jaw. When you’re stressed, you might clench your teeth or tighten your jaw without knowing. Over time, this constant tension can strain the jaw muscles.
Identifying the underlying cause of your TMJ disorder is crucial to creating an effective treatment plan that addresses your unique needs.
TMJ Symptoms
TMJ can present a variety of symptoms that range from mild discomfort to more severe pain. The symptoms can be temporary or last for years, and they often affect more than just the jaw.
- Jaw Pain
- Chronic Headaches
- Ear Pain
- Toothaches
- Teeth Clenching and Grinding (Bruxism)
If you have any of these symptoms, contact our office. TMJ can worsen over time if left untreated, leading to more discomfort and difficulty with daily activities.
TMJ Treatment in Carrollton, TX
Before we treat your TMJ, we will complete a full bite evaluation. We will conduct a visual exam, looking for how your teeth come together. Our office will also take X-rays, which includes your teeth, gums, and jaw. Once we determine you have TMJ and the extent of your symptoms, we will recommend one or more treatments:
Nightguards
One of the most common and effective treatments for TMJ, especially for those who grind or clench their teeth, is the use of a nightguard. Nightguards are custom-made appliances that fit over your teeth, similar to a sports mouthguard, and are typically worn while you sleep.
Nightguards work by providing a cushion between your upper and lower teeth. This reduces the pressure on your jaw joints and muscles, helping to alleviate pain and prevent further damage. They can also prevent teeth grinding and clenching, protecting your teeth from excessive wear. TMJ nightguards also protect the teeth from cracked teeth, worn enamel, and increased sensitivity.
Many people with TMJ experience better sleep after starting nightguard therapy, as it reduces nighttime grinding and discomfort.
Your dentist can create a custom nightguard that fits your mouth comfortably, providing the protection and relief you need.
Bite Equilibration
For some patients, TMJ disorder is caused by misaligned teeth or an uneven bite. In these cases, bite equilibration may be recommended as part of your treatment plan. Bite equilibration is a process that adjusts the way your teeth come together, helping to improve the balance and function of your bite.
During bite equilibration, the dentist carefully reshapes the surfaces of certain teeth to help them meet evenly when you close your mouth. This relieves uneven pressure on the TMJ and reduces the strain on the jaw muscles.
Balancing your bite can make it easier to chew and speak without discomfort. It can also help relieve the jaw pain and tension caused by TMJ. An unbalanced bite can cause teeth to wear unevenly over time. Bite equilibration helps prevent this damage and protects your smile.
Lifestyle Changes
In addition to dental treatments like nightguards and bite equilibration, there are lifestyle changes you can make to help manage your TMJ symptoms. These changes focus on reducing strain on the jaw and promoting relaxation of the muscles.
Follow these tips to manage TMJ problems at home:
- Practice Good Posture: Slouching or poor posture can strain your neck and jaw muscles. Try to sit up straight, especially when using a computer or phone. Keeping your eyes in line with your screen can reduce tension in your upper body.
- Avoid Hard or Chewy Foods: Foods that are hard to chew, like gum, nuts, or tough meats, can increase jaw strain. Stick to softer foods that are easier to eat. We will recommend a softer diet when you begin TMJ treatment.
- Use Heat or Ice: Applying heat or ice to the jaw area can help reduce pain and inflammation. Heat relaxes tense muscles, while ice numbs the area and reduces swelling. We often recommend using heat or ice for 15 minutes at a time.
- Manage Stress: Since stress can contribute to jaw tension, finding ways to manage stress can improve your TMJ symptoms. Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. Be mindful of clenching your jaw during the day, especially during stressful situations. Relax your jaw and keep your teeth slightly apart when you’re not eating or talking.
Making small adjustments to your daily routine can have a big impact on your TMJ symptoms. By taking steps to reduce jaw strain and promote relaxation, you may experience less pain and better jaw function over time.
TMJ Treatment FAQs
Learn more about TMJ disorders and TMJ treatment in Carrollton, TX, with answers to these common questions:
How are posture and TMJ connected?
Posture and TMJ are connected because how you hold your head and neck can affect your jaw joint. Poor posture, like slouching or having your head forward while looking at a screen, can strain your neck, shoulders, and jaw muscles. This strain can put extra pressure on the TMJ.
Sitting and standing straight with your head balanced over your shoulders can make a big difference. Improving your posture can help ease TMJ symptoms and prevent them from getting worse.
What happens if TMJ disorder is left untreated?
If TMJ disorder is left untreated, it can lead to more serious problems over time. You might experience worsening jaw pain, headaches, or facial discomfort. The jaw joint could become stiff or harder to move, making it difficult to eat, speak, or open your mouth fully.
Untreated TMJ can also lead to tooth damage because of bruxism. This wear and tear on your teeth can cause cracks, chips, or increased sensitivity. Over time, the muscles in your face, neck, and shoulders might also become tense or sore from strain.
How much does TMJ treatment cost?
The cost of TMJ treatment can vary based on the type of treatment you need and your specific case. A custom nightguard is the least expensive TMJ treatment in our Carrollton, TX, office. Dental work to fix your bite, physical therapy, or jaw surgery cost more.
Does the TMJ ever fully heal?
Whether TMJ fully heals depends on the cause and severity of the disorder, as well as the type of treatment used. For some people, TMJ symptoms like jaw pain, stiffness, or clicking can improve with physical therapy, nightguards, or lifestyle changes. In these cases, the joint may not be fully “healed,” but the symptoms can be managed effectively.
In other cases, such as severe joint damage or arthritis in the TMJ, the condition might be long-lasting but still treatable.
What is the 3 finger test for TMJ?
The 3-finger test is a simple way to check if your jaw has a healthy range of motion, which can be helpful for people with TMJ issues. First, stack your index, middle, and ring fingers on top of each other. Open your mouth wide enough to fit those three fingers between your top and bottom front teeth.
If you can fit all three fingers without pain or difficulty, it usually means your jaw is moving normally. But if you can’t open wide enough or it feels painful, it could be a sign of TMJ problems.
How can I relax my mouth if I have TMJ?
Your mouth position can help release tension in your face and jaw. To relax your mouth, gently rest your tongue on the middle of the roof of your mouth. Let your jaw open slightly and focus on breathing deeply to relax your muscles.
What does a TMJ flare-up feel like?
A TMJ flare-up can feel uncomfortable and sometimes painful. Here’s what you might experience:
- Jaw Pain: Aching or sharp pain in the jaw area, especially around the joint.
- Headaches: You may get frequent headaches or feel pressure around your temples.
- Ear Pain: It can feel like an earache or pressure inside your ears.
- Clicking or Popping: You might hear or feel clicking, popping, or grinding when you open or close your mouth.
- Difficulty Moving Your Jaw: It may feel stiff or hard to open and close your mouth fully.
- Facial Pain: Some people feel discomfort in their cheeks or along the sides of their face.
- Neck and Shoulder Pain: The tension can sometimes spread to your neck or shoulders.
What could be mistaken for TMJ?
TMJ can be mistaken for these conditions:
- Ear Infections
- Toothache
- Sinus Issues
- Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Tension Headaches or Migraines
As soon as you notice a change in your health, contact a professional for treatment. We are here to help if you have a dental problem.
Get Relief with TMJ Treatment in Carrollton, TX
TMJ can be a frustrating and painful condition, but the good news is that effective treatments are available. We’ll work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that targets the cause of your TMJ and provides lasting relief. Call Hebron Fami