What is TMJ Disorder?
Temporomandibular Joints are located towards the back of your lower jaw, connecting the jaw to the skull. With one joint on either side of the face, in front of the ear, these joints are responsible for making movements required for speaking, eating and facial expression possible. The TMJ Disorder which involves the Temporomandibular Joints (TMJ) and the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels associated with them is often quite painful, However, the good news is that it can be managed with the right treatments if intercepted by our dental professionals.
What are the Symptoms of TMJD?
You may have TMJ Disorder if you experience any of the following:
- Pain in the jaw joint
- Headache or earache
- Ringing in the ears
- Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint
- Locking of the jaw when attempting to open the mouth
- Neck, shoulder, and back pains
- Swelling of the sides of the face
- Inability to open the mouth comfortably
- Difficulty chewing food
Causes of TMJ Disorder
- Bruxism (grinding of teeth)
- Wear and tear of the joint
- Injury or trauma to the jaw, head or neck
- Misaligned teeth
- Uneven bite
- Poor head or neck posture
- An injury to your jaw, head or neck
- Medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout or fibromyalgia
How is TMJ Disorder Treated?
When it comes to TMJD treatment, doesn’t just apply to dental procedures and appliances, there are a few adjustments you can make to your lifestyle as well to help manage this disorder:
- Self-care practices, such as eating soft foods, using heat packs, and avoiding extreme movements like yawning and chewing gum
- Occlusal Adjustments, where teeth are ground down to bring the bite into balance
- Repositioning of the jaw using a night guard (Occlusal Splint)
- Using a mouthguard to prevent excessive strain on your jaw joints
- Prescription medication such as anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxants
- Physiotherapy
- Stress management such as counselling and Yoga
- Surgical treatment
- Orthodontic treatment
Why is it important to treat TMJ Disorders?
Treating TMJ disorders is crucial because they can significantly impact your quality of life by causing pain, discomfort, and difficulties in eating, speaking, and daily activities.
By addressing these issues, you can reduce pain, improve jaw function, prevent long-term complications, and enhance your overall quality of life. Early treatment can also help avoid muscle strain, reliance on pain medications, and more serious joint problems.
How is Bruxism related to TMJD?
Bruxism is excessive clenching or grinding of the teeth that is not a part of normal chewing movements. It is an oral parafunctional activity that occurs in most humans at some point in their lives. Bruxers (persons with bruxism) are often unaware that they developed this habit and often do not know that treatment is available until damage to the mouth and teeth has occurred.
A combination of physical and psychological factors contribute to bruxism.
- Physical Stress, such as illness, nutritional deficiency, and dehydrationn
- Psychological Stress, anxiety, and tension
- Abnormal Anatomy of the teeth such as super erupted teeth
- Sleep disorders like sleep apnoea
- Certain drugs/medications
The excessive clenching or grinding of teeth can cause tooth problems and eventually jaw joint problems, which means Bruxism may potentially be a factor causing TMJ Disorder.
Signs and Symptoms of Bruxism
These may vary according to the nature, frequency, duration, and strength of excessive clenching and grinding, but the general symptoms are:
- Pain in the teeth
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Chronic facial pain with tension headache
- Stiffness and pain in the jaw joints (TMJ) and muscles with restricted opening of the mouth and difficulty in chewing
- Earache
- Flattened and worn tooth surface
- Microfractures of the tooth enamel
- Noise that occurs when the teeth are ground together, witnessed by partners, relatives, or friends
Bruxism diagnosis is based on clinical examination and dental and medical history. This is assessed by the location of the pain, stiffness or soreness, the range of jaw movements, and tooth wear.
Treatment for Bruxism
- Behaviour Modification: Teaching the patient how to rest their tongue teeth and lips
- Occlusal Splint: Also known as a night guard, this specially-fitted plastic mouth appliance will be worn at night can even the force of biting. It also prevents further wear of the teeth surfaces
- Biofeedback: This is when a special electronic device measures how much your mouth and jaw muscles are working. If you’re using these muscles too much, the device can help you change this gradually.
- Reduce the consumption of caffeine and alcoholic beverages.
- Perform muscle relaxation exercises or hold a warm washcloth against your cheek.
The Cost of TMJ Treatment
The cost of treating TMJ depends on factors such as the treatment type and the severity of your condition. For a more detailed idea of the cost of TMJD treatment, we recommend scheduling an appointment with our friendly dentists. We will conduct a comprehensive analysis of your oral health and inform you about the cost. Our team will also talk to you about our payment plans so you can make a well-informed decision.
Why choose Melton Dental?
Is the pain of TMJ Disorder affecting your daily life and making sleeping, eating, and drinking difficult? At Melton Dental Group, we want to help you alleviate your pain so you can go about your daily activities without a worry. So, if you are experiencing any symptoms of TMJ disorder and Bruxism or any other dental problem, we recommend scheduling a consultation with our friendly dentists. We offer a comprehensive range of treatments from general dentistry to cosmetic dentistry and much more to suit your individual needs.
You no longer have to put up with the pain! Our experienced dental staff at Melton Dental Group can assess and treat your TMJ Disorder with outstanding results. Call today to make your appointment.