TMJ Disorder
Frederick, MD
The temporomandibular joints, or TMJ, are two joints located in your mouth. They are found on each side of your face, right where your mandible meets your skull. These joints play a critical role in the functioning of your mouth, allowing you to open and close your mouth as well as move your lower jaw from side to side. If these joints become irritated and inflamed, it can lead to severe pain and make even the most basic movements incredibly difficult. If your TMJ are giving you trouble, Dental Arts of Frederick can diagnose the cause of your issue and provide you with the treatment you need.
What is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder is a term that refers to a variety of different issues that affect your temporomandibular joints and your jaw. Many of these issues cause the TMJ to become irritated and inflamed. When this happens, you may experience significant pain. It can also become rather difficult to do things like eat and speak. In some cases, even the most minor movements can be incredibly painful.
Causes of TMJ Disorder
There are several issues that can lead to TMJ disorder.
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Facial trauma. This can result from such issues as a car accident, a sports injury, or a fall.
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Jaw dislocation. This can cause tiny tears in the joint, which cause irritation and inflammation.
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Bruxism. This is a condition in which you grind and clench your teeth. These actions put excessive pressure on your jaw and TMJ. Bruxism can be caused by issues such as poor alignment or stress.
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Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. |
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorder has many symptoms. Most symptoms do not appear right away. Instead, they come on gradually and worsen as time goes on. Common symptoms of TMJ disorder include:
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Jaw pain and pain in the TMJ.
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Facial pain.
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Jaw swelling.
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Trouble, and pain, eating, speaking, or even moving your mouth at all.
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Lockjaw.
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Clicking, popping, or grinding sensations in your jaw.
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Chronic headaches or earaches, which are caused by radiating pain. |
How is TMJ Disorder Diagnosed?
Diagnosing TMJ disorder is done through a thorough oral exam. We go over your symptoms and look over the structures in your mouth. We check your teeth for alignment issues and wear patterns. Your jaw is also assessed for alignment issues. Dental x-rays are taken that allow us to see the condition of your jawbone, the roots of your teeth and the joints. These images allow us to see issues we might otherwise miss with just a visual examination. Once we have diagnosed TMJ disorder and determined the cause, we are then able to provide you with the most effective treatment plan to restore your oral health and your quality of life.
Treatment Options for TMJ Disorder
There are several different treatments for TMJ disorder. The treatment recommended for you depends upon the severity of the situation and the cause of the condition. Common treatments include:
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Home remedies. This may include over the counter or prescription pain relief as well as stress relief techniques like breathing exercises and yoga.
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Night guards. A night guard functions to absorb the impact the muscles in your mouth place on your jaw, helping to alleviate pain.
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Botox. Botox injections can help to weaken the muscles that contract to cause grinding and clenching, alleviating TMJ disorder symptoms.
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Orthodontic treatment, to correct tooth and jaw alignment.
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Oral surgery. In severe cases, oral surgery may be recommended. |
One of our treatments for TMJ, which has grown increasingly popular in recent years, involves administering Botox. A Botox injection is a safe and effective way to alleviate some of the symptoms associated with TMJ. Botox can alleviate jaw tension by blocking the nerves that control the muscles of your TMJ. Often, these muscles are being clenched unconsciously, which is one of the leading causes of TMJ.
With the right treatment, we can help to restore the health of your TMJ, alleviating your pain while restoring the functions of your mouth and your quality of life. For more information, and to schedule your appointment, call Dental Arts of Frederick at 301-732-7277 today.
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