Temporomandibular Joint Disorders & TMJ Treatment
- Yellow Pages Admin
- May 27
- 3 min read
Updated: May 29
Temporomandibular Joint Disorders & TMJ Treatment
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a crucial component of our anatomy that connects the jawbone to the skull to enable essential movements for chewing, speaking, and daily activities. Unfortunately, many individuals suffer from TMJ disorders, which can significantly impact their quality of life. This blog explores these disorders and offers solutions for managing the associated pain and discomfort.
Understanding TMJ Disorders
TMJ disorders encompass a range of conditions affecting the TMJ and surrounding muscles. These disorders may arise from various factors, including injury, arthritis, teeth grinding (bruxism), or jaw misalignment. The complexity of TMJ disorders often necessitates a multidisciplinary approach for effective diagnosis and treatment.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms of TMJ disorders can vary widely among individuals, and some may experience only a few of these signs. That’s why knowing the signs of a TMJ disorder is important. Common symptoms can include:
o pain or tenderness in the jaw, neck, shoulders, or around the ear
o jaw stiffness, including difficulty opening or closing the mouth
o clicking or popping sounds when moving the jaw
o frequent headaches, particularly around the temples
o swelling on one side of the face
o ear issues such as ringing or a feeling of fullness
TMJ Diagnosis
A TMJ diagnosis typically involves a comprehensive examination of the jaw and teeth, a review of medical history, and a discussion about symptoms. Some dental clinics may utilize imaging techniques, such as X-rays or MRIs, to gain a clearer understanding of the joint's condition.
TMJ Treatment Options
TMJ treatment options are diverse and tailored to individual needs. Common approaches include:
o Self-care techniques: In addition to professional treatment, the following may help relieve some of the pain associated with TMJ disorders:
o applying heat or ice packs to reduce pain and swelling.
o practising relaxation and stress management techniques.
o avoiding hard or chewy foods to minimize jaw strain.
o engaging in gentle jaw exercises as recommended by a professional.
o Orthotic appliances: Custom-made mouthguards can help relax inflamed muscles, realign the jaw and reduce grinding force used by the muscles.
o Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers or muscle relaxants can alleviate discomfort.
o Injections: In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be utilized to reduce inflammation, or Botox may be used to decrease the force used by the muscles.
o Surgery: If there is an anatomical problem with the jaw joint(s), then surgical treatrment options may need to be considered.
o Restorative: If the underlying cause of the TMJ problem is a misalignment of one or more teeth, then one or more teeth may need:
o Selective reshaping of one or more teeth-removing fractions of a millimeter of tooth structure.
o Rebuilding/reconstructing one or more teeth-drastically changing the shape of a tooth with fillings or crowns.
o Moving one or more teeth via braces or Invisalign.
o Moving entire segments of one or more jaws.
o Any combination of the above 4 methods.
EffectiveTMJ Treatment in Hamilton
If you are experiencing symptoms of a TMJ disorder and need more than home remedies to stop the pain, Olivieri Dental Care can help.. We utilize the highly effective Dawson Method for TMJ treatment. This approach focuses on understanding the relationship between the teeth, jaw, and muscles to create a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan.
Contact us today to learn TMJ treatment options. We are multi-generational, family-friendly Hamilton dental clinic offering dental services from prosthodontics, periodontics, restorative dentistry, emergency dentistry, and so much more, to help you and your family put your best smile forward.
