TMJ disorders are problems related to your jaw joint. TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint, which is the name for each joint (right and left) that connects your jaw to your skull. Symptoms like pain or a "clicking" sound of the jaw joint are common with TMJ problems. Since some types of TMJ problems can lead to more serious conditions, early detection and treatment are important. Treatments vary depending on the symptoms and problems that are identified. Some problems require additional testing and imaging. MRI examination is common in cases when the joint health is in question. Sometimes treatment involves physical therapy or medications or both. A splint is often required when the teeth don’t fit well together, or clenching or grinding is suspected. Your dentist may be contacted to provide the splint if one is needed for your treatment. Unfortunately, some problems can only be corrected with surgery to the joint. If this is the case, Drs. Wees, McDermott and Glow are extensively trained in various surgical therapies.
No one treatment can resolve TMJ disorders completely and treatment takes time to become effective. Drs. Wees, McDermott and Glow can help you have a healthier and more comfortable jaw.
TMJ disorders develop for many reasons. You might clench or grind your teeth, tightening your jaw muscles and stressing your TM joint. You may have a damaged jaw joint due to injury or disease. Injuries and arthritis can damage the joint directly or stretch or tear the muscle ligaments. As a result, the disk, which is made of cartilage and functions as the “cushion” of the jaw joint, can slip out of position. Whatever the cause, the results may include a misaligned bite, pain, clicking or grating noise when you open your mouth or trouble opening your mouth wide.
The more times you answered "yes," the more likely it is that you have a TMJ disorder. Understanding TMJ disorders will also help you understand how they are treated.
There are various treatment options that Drs. Wees, McDermott and Glow can utilize to improve the harmony and function of your jaw. Once an evaluation confirms a diagnosis of TMJ disorder, the doctor will determine the proper course of treatment. It is important to note that treatment always works best with a team approach of self-care joined with professional care.
The goals of treatment are to decrease symptoms and restore function. Usually this mean relieve the muscle spasms and joint pain, which will allow normal function to return. Medications such anti-inflammatory medications or a muscle relaxant may be prescribed. Steroids can be injected directly into the joints to reduce pain and inflammation. Self-care treatments can often be effective as well and include:
Stress management techniques such as biofeedback or professional physical therapy may also be recommended, as well as a splint your dentist can make for you. A splint or nightgaurd fits over your top or bottom teeth and helps keep your teeth apart, thereby relaxing the muscles and reducing pain. There are different types of appliances used for different purposes. A nightguard helps you stop clenching or grinding your teeth and reduces muscle tension at night and helps to protect the cartilage and joint surfaces. These appliances also help to protect your teeth from wear.
If your TMJ disorder has caused problems with how your teeth fit together, you may need treatment such as bite adjustment (equilibration), orthodontics with or without jaw reconstruction, or restorative dental work. Surgical options such as arthroscopy and open joint repair are sometimes needed but are reserved for severe cases. Drs. Wees, McDermott and Glow do not consider TMJ surgery unless all other options have failed and jaw function cannot be restored without surgery.