Temporomandibular joint disorder, commonly known as TMJ, is a term referring to a number of conditions affecting the temporomandibular joints, jaw muscles and facial nerves. This condition can develop due to the twisting of the jaw when it opens or closes.
TMJ Symptoms
Headaches
Tender jaw muscles
Jaw pain or soreness
Jaw pain whenever you chew, bite or yawn
Clicking or popping sounds when you open your mouth
Diagnosis of TMJ
Currently, there is no consensus about what constitutes a standard test for the identification of TMJ. There are also other types of dental problems, like sinus problems and toothache, that can mimic the symptoms of TMJ.
Your dentist can make a diagnosis of TMJ using x-rays and physically examining your face and jaw. They will also take into account your description of your symptoms and how your jaws fit together.
Here are a few ways that TMJ is treated:
Lifestyle Modification
Most people experience TMJ symptoms at some point in their lives, and most of them find that their condition eventually resolves without any treatment. As a result, your dentist may recommend that you adopt a wait-and-see approach. But there are also other things that you can try at home to relieve your symptoms, such as:
Eat softer foods
Do not chew gum
Use ice packs and heating pads
Perform jaw exercises
Use over-the-counter medications
Reduce your stress levels and use relaxation techniques
Lifestyle Modification
Most people experience TMJ symptoms at some point in their lives, and most of them find that their condition eventually resolves without any treatment. As a result, your dentist may recommend that you adopt a wait-and-see approach. But there are also other things that you can try at home to relieve your symptoms, such as:
Eat softer foods
Do not chew gum
Use ice packs and heating pads
Perform jaw exercises
Use over-the-counter medications
Reduce your stress levels and use relaxation techniques
Bite Correction
If home remedies are ineffective, your dentist may recommend different treatment options. For example, custom-fitted dental splints help prevent bruxism, or teeth grinding. This can relieve some of the stress on your jaws and jaw muscles.
Mouthguards are the most frequently recommended treatment for those suffering from moderate TMJ, while dental splints can reduce the pain of TMJ. Two main types are available: a bruxism mouthguard and a TMJ mouthguard.
Injections
Temporary relief from TMJ symptoms can be obtained through injections that are minimally invasive and take no longer than 30 minutes.
One increasingly used type of injection for treating TMJ symptoms is Botox – a safe neurotoxin that minimizes the activity of injected muscles, minimizing clenching and helping relieve symptoms.
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy can be attempted if all of the above treatments were not successful. Although arthroscopy is a minimally invasive technique, it does involve a one-week recovery time on average.
Arthroscopic techniques are performed by orthopedic surgeons to diagnose disorders. Your surgeon would insert a fiber-optic camera into the joint to determine the cause of your symptoms.
Arthrocentesis can then be used to actually treat the TMJ disorder. This involves the use of a small needle and syringe for draining fluid from the joint.
Your TMJ Consultation
TMJ can be a difficult condition to diagnose and treat, but help is available. To explore your treatment options, please reach out to our office today to schedule your TMJ treatment consultation.