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What are the Causes and Treatments For TMJ?

March 7, 2022 - toothbar - 0 comments TMJ pain on a woman

Your temporomandibular joint is the joint that connects the jawbone to the skull; it dies the important work of opening and closing your jaws as you speak and eat. Many people don’t give thought to this important function until pain and irritation develop, which is a condition known as TMJ.

What is TMJ?

TMJ refers to a group of conditions related to inflammation in the jaw. These disorders can cause facial swelling, pain, tenderness, and difficulty opening and closing the jaw. Nearly 10 million Americans suffer from TMJ disorders, making it a pervasive problem needing to be addressed for those wishing to regain their quality of life.

What are some symptoms of TMJ?

Various symptoms of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder occur, depending on the degree of damage and inflammation you experience. Some more common symptoms experienced by many include:

 

  1. Pain in the neck and face
  2. Stiffness in jaw muscles
  3. Limited jaw movement
  4. Locking of the jaw joint (lockjaw)
  5. Clicking or popping in the joint
  6. Dental issues, such as tooth grinding and damage

As symptoms set in, many people are distressed and upset at what appears to be a deteriorating condition. What are the causes of this uncomfortable disorder, and how can it be treated to provide pain-free living once more?

Causes of TMJ

TMJ disorders can develop if the disk/cartilage mechanism at the hinge of the jawbone becomes dislocated or out of proper alignment. Other issues such as damage to the jaw and arthritic conditions can cause wear and tear on the joint, making it difficult to move.

Other risk factors for the development of TMJ include:

  1. Development of arthritic conditions
  2. Long term clenching or grinding of teeth
  3. Connective tissue disease that destroys cartilage between joints

Talking to your dentist about diagnosis and treatment options will be an essential part of your return to health. Read on to see what treatment options exist for this type of disorder:

Diagnosis

After your dentist has determined a formal diagnosis, the cause of your specific condition will dictate the appropriate course of treatment. Some dentists recommend home treatments such as self-care to reduce swelling and inflammation. Some of these home treatments include:

  1. Use of ice to reduce swelling
  2. Reducing jaw movement
  3. Avoiding tough or crunchy foods that are hard to chew
  4. Monitoring and reducing stress levels
  5. Using jaw exercises to strengthen and increase range of motion

If it is found that home therapies are not effective in reducing and eliminating pain, your dentist may prescribe medication to reduce swelling and provide relief from pain. The use of substances such as anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, treatments like jaw botox, and local anesthetics prove to be effective agents to relax muscles, provide relief from pain, and make the healing process more manageable.

The option of surgery

If symptoms do not improve with time and medication, your dentist may suggest surgery to improve both the look and function of your jaw. Cosmetic dentistry surgeons specialize in reconstructive surgery that fixes both function and form of the jaw, allowing you to get back to daily living.

Some of these procedures can correct alignment and bite, remove fluid and debris from your jaw joint, and even reconstruct the joint itself if it has been irreparably damaged. Talk to your dentist about the options that exist for you, and work to craft a treatment plan that works to eliminate pain and improve joint function and mobility.

The Toothbar: Providing help and healing to those with jaw pain

The Toothbar is a premiere Austin cosmetic dentist specializing in all types of dental conditions and disorders. It is our job and our passion to care for and bring health and healing to patients, providing them with healthy, vibrant smiles once more.

Contact us today to see how we can help you uncover your best and brightest smile. Call: 512-949-8202

Dr. Kimberley Barclay

Co-founder and owner Dr. Kimberley Barclay is actively involved in local and national dental societies, including the Capital Area Dental Society and Spear Education courses on cosmetic dentistry. She is also a member of the Seattle Study Club, one of the most advanced education groups for dental professionals.

Schedule Your Visit Now

Our team is ready to book your appointment. The proper Dental Care can make the difference in years to come. We don't just improve the
aesthetics of your smile, we make sure your dental health is set for the long run.

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This content was fact-checked by Dr. Kimberley Barclay and Dr. Lauren Jacobsen following editorial guidelines. Dr. Kimberley Barclay is actively involved in local and national dental societies, including the Capital Area Dental Society and Spear Education courses on Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Lauren Jacobsen is an active member of the dental community and engages in further education and training through membership with a local chapter of the Seattle Study Club and Spear Education courses.

Schedule Your Visit Now

Our team is ready to book your appointment. The proper Dental Care can make the difference in years to come. We don't just improve the aesthetics of your smile, we make sure your dental health is set for the long run.

Schedule your visit now