Do you get headaches, unexplained ear or facial pain, or jaw clicking or popping? You may have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, a treatable condition that can cause pain and other symptoms causing a sore jaw. If you suspect you have TMJ disorder, you should make an appointment with us as soon as possible to address the issue. We provide TMJ treatment to patients in the Fountain Hills and Rio Verde areas.
What is TMJ?
TMJ stands for “temporomandibular joint.” TMJ is the joint that connects your jaw bone to your skull. Your TMJ can become injured or inflamed and can lead to a localized pain disorder that is not uncommon, called temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome.
Common causes of TMJ syndrome include stress, teeth grinding, and excessive gum chewing. Alignment problems of how your teeth meet, your jaw, arthritis, and even poor posture can lead to TMJ syndrome.
What are the symptoms of TMJ Syndrome?
- Jaw pain at the joint
- Jaw clicking or popping
- Toothache-like pain
- Ear pain/Earache
- Ringing or popping sounds in the ears (tinnitus) or a sense of fullness in the ears
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Pain at the base of the tongue
- Pain, swelling, or a lump in the temple area
- Tight, stiff, or sore neck or jaw muscle
- Difficulty chewing
- Stiff or sore jaw muscles
- Pain in the temple area, or
- Locking or dislocation of the jaw joint (usually after widely yawning), referred to as lockjaw.
Women have a higher likelihood than men of developing TMJ. Sufferers most commonly fall between the ages of 18-44, though others can still develop the condition. Genetics and chronic pain also play into the development of TMJ syndrome.
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What Are the Cures for TMJ Syndrome?
Not every instance of jaw pain is TMJ. If you experience persistent pain over a period of weeks, or if you have difficulty chewing your food, you should consult with Dr. Laskis to see if you need treatment. Seek out emergency treatment if your jaw becomes locked in the opened or closed position.
The first step in TMJ disorder treatment is the diagnosis of the condition. Dr. Laskis will ask you a series of questions designed to narrow down the problem, such as:
- What makes your jaw pain worse? What lessens it?
- Do you chew your nails, grind your teeth, chew on ice or perform other habits that may exacerbate TMJ?
- How often do you chew gum?
- Describe the pain – is it throbbing, sharp or intermittent?
Dr. Laskis will use these answers combined with a physical exam to determine whether you have TMJ. She may take an X-ray or use an ultrasound to get an image of your jaw.
We employ several methods to address lockjaw – as TMJ syndrome is also called – at our Fountain Hills office. Medical options include certain injections, oral appliance for teeth grinding, physical therapy, medications and, in severe cases, surgery.
Treatment for TMJ: Will You Need Surgery?
We try to avoid surgery for TMJ, exhausting other treatment options before exploring this one. But in some cases, surgery may be necessary. Two types of surgeries are used to treat TMJ:
- Arthrocentesis: Uses a needle to clean out your joint using a local anesthetic
- Arthroscopy: Treats an internal problem with the joint and requires anesthesia
Surgery may also be needed if poor alignment of your skull bone and jaw bone caused the TMJ. This maxillofacial surgery is rare and considered a last resort.
Come to Parkview Dentistry for Your TMJ Treatment
Whether you live in Fountain Hills or Rio Verde, we welcome you to our practice, where we follow the philosophy of gentle dentistry. Dr. Laskis treats every person who walks through our door like family. We talk with you to learn more about your dental history and you as a person, which helps guide our approach to your dental care.
For TMJ treatment and other procedures, we present your options and engage in discussions with you about the best approach. For TMJ, you have several avenues to choose from that we can navigate together. We won’t pressure you into making a choice. Dr. Laskis values the opinions of her patients and wants to know their preferences in all cases. We can also discuss the cost of treatment, financing options and other concerns.
Don’t live in pain any longer; contact us today for help with your TMJ syndrome.
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Case Study: Addressing Stress-Related Teeth Grinding with Night Guards
Patient Overview:
A patient in her late 30s came to Parkview Dentistry complaining of chronic jaw pain, headaches, and worn teeth. During her consultation, she revealed that her job-related stress had led to teeth grinding (bruxism), which was causing significant oral health issues.
Initial Findings:
- Primary Concern: The patient had been experiencing frequent jaw pain and tooth sensitivity, especially in the mornings. She had not realized that her stress was causing her to grind her teeth at night.
- Other Observations:
- Moderate tooth wear and enamel loss.
- Tension and discomfort in her jaw muscles.
- Mild temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discomfort.
Recommended Treatment Plan:
- Night Guard: A custom-made night guard was recommended to protect her teeth from further damage and relieve her TMJ symptoms. The night guard would act as a cushion between her teeth and help reduce the strain on her jaw.
- Stress Management Techniques: In addition to the night guard, stress management strategies like mindfulness, yoga, and regular exercise were suggested to help the patient manage her stress and prevent further grinding.
Completed Procedures:
- A custom night guard was made and fitted to protect the patient’s teeth and relieve her jaw discomfort.
- Follow-up visits were scheduled to ensure the night guard fit properly and was effectively addressing her symptoms.
Preventive Care Plan:
- Continued use of the night guard was encouraged to protect her teeth and alleviate the jaw pain.
- Stress-reduction techniques were advised to manage the root cause of the bruxism and prevent further complications.
Reflections on Stress and Bruxism Treatment:
This case demonstrates how stress can directly impact oral health, particularly in the form of bruxism. By addressing both the physical symptoms and the underlying stress, we were able to help the patient find lasting relief from jaw pain and prevent further damage to her teeth.
Closing Thoughts:
The patient’s story is a great example of how dental treatment can go beyond just addressing tooth and gum issues; it can also help improve overall well-being by recognizing and addressing emotional health challenges. A simple intervention, like a night guard, can have a significant impact on a patient’s quality of life.
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