TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorders, cause pain to the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. This is because the temporomandibular joints connect the jawbone to the skull. Common symptoms of this disorder can include frequent jaw or tooth pain.
If you suffer from chronic headaches or find yourself frequently clenching your teeth, you may have a TMJ disorder. Dr. Sahil Goyal and his team also offer restorative dental treatments at the Frederick Center for Dentistry.
What Causes TMJ Disorders?
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders affect the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, causing pain, stiffness, and difficulty with movement. Many factors can contribute to TMJ disorders, which are complex and sometimes hard to pinpoint. Understanding the causes can help with early diagnosis and effective treatment.
One common cause of TMJ disorders is jaw misalignment. If the upper and lower teeth don’t line up properly, it can stress the TMJ when biting, chewing, or speaking. This misalignment can lead to tension and pain in the joint over time. Similarly, a habit of grinding or clenching the teeth, known as bruxism, places continuous pressure on the TMJ. People often grind their teeth at night, sometimes without even realizing it. This constant tension wears down the cartilage and inflames the joint, which leads to pain and discomfort.
Injury is another major cause of TMJ disorders. A direct impact to the face or jaw from an accident, sports injury, or fall can damage the joint or nearby muscles. Even a minor injury can cause misalignment or weaken the jaw, making it prone to ongoing pain and stiffness. Whiplash from a car accident, for example, may not seem related to the jaw, but the sudden movement of the neck and head can strain the TMJ.
Stress also plays a big role in TMJ disorders. People who are stressed or anxious may unknowingly clench their jaw or tighten the muscles around the TMJ. This tension causes strain on the joint, leading to soreness and inflammation. Over time, this repetitive clenching can develop into a chronic TMJ problem, even if there is no physical injury to the jaw.
Arthritis can also affect the TMJ. Just as arthritis can impact other joints in the body, it can also cause wear and tear on the jaw joint. Osteoarthritis, due to the natural breakdown of cartilage over time, can make it painful to move the jaw smoothly. Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition, may also cause inflammation in the TMJ, leading to swelling and discomfort. In both cases, the joint becomes less stable and may even make clicking or popping sounds during movement.
Lastly, genetics and certain health conditions can increase the likelihood of developing TMJ disorders. For instance, people with a family history of TMJ issues may be more prone to similar problems. Conditions like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which affects connective tissues, can make the TMJ more vulnerable to dislocation or strain. Other health problems, such as fibromyalgia, often come with muscle pain that can affect the TMJ and cause jaw discomfort.
About Teeth Grinding
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is one of the most common and serious symptoms or cause of a TMJ disorder. Many patients do not realize they grind their teeth as they may unconsciously do so at night during sleep. In fact, they may be coping with many side effects and not even realize why they are suffering. Not until their dentist spots the worn down teeth do they realize they are grinding their teeth at night.
Bruxism can affect anyone at any age. However, most children seem to grow out of it. Teeth grinding can also lead to damaged teeth and gum disease.
TMJ Disorder Signs and Symptoms
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders affect the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, leading to pain and difficulty in jaw movement. Knowing the signs and symptoms can help with early diagnosis and effectively manage this condition.
Jaw Pain and Tenderness
One of the most common symptoms of TMJ disorders is pain or tenderness in the jaw area. This pain can be sharp or dull and is usually felt around the joint in front of the ears. The pain might spread to surrounding areas, including the cheeks, neck, or shoulders. Jaw tenderness can make simple actions like chewing or talking uncomfortable.
Difficulty or Pain While Chewing
TMJ disorders often make chewing painful or difficult. Many people with TMJ problems feel that their bite is not aligned correctly, which adds extra strain to the jaw joint when eating. Chewing hard or chewy foods may worsen the pain, and some people might start avoiding certain foods to prevent discomfort.
Clicking, Popping, or Grinding Noises
Sounds like clicking, popping, or grinding when moving the jaw are common in TMJ disorders. These noises usually occur when opening or closing the mouth, chewing, or yawning. Although not always painful, these sounds can be concerning and may indicate joint misalignment or cartilage wear. In some cases, the jaw might even temporarily lock or feel stuck when trying to open wide.
Headaches and Ear Pain
Headaches and ear pain are frequent symptoms of TMJ disorders, often mistaken for migraines or ear infections. TMJ-related headaches typically start near the temples and can spread to the forehead or the back of the head. Ear pain, even without an ear infection, can also be a sign, as the TMJ is located close to the ears, and inflammation or tension in the joint can cause a sensation of earache or fullness.
Stiffness and Limited Jaw Movement
TMJ disorders can lead to stiffness in the jaw, making it difficult to open or close the mouth fully. Some people find that their jaw gets “stuck” or “locked” in an open or closed position, making it hard to speak, yawn, or eat comfortably. This limited range of motion often accompanies pain and makes everyday activities challenging.
Facial Swelling
In some cases, TMJ disorders may cause mild swelling on one or both sides of the face near the jaw joint. This swelling can make the face appear uneven and worsen after eating or talking for extended periods.
TMJ Disorder Treatment in Frederick, MD
Patients may have damaged or deteriorating joint tissue, so their needs are dependent on the severity of their problem. Fortunately, The Frederick Center for Dentistry has the treatment options you need.
If teeth clenching and grinding are your main symptoms, you may benefit from a customized night guard. Night guards relieve pressure from the jaw and hold the jaw in a resting position. Night guards also prevent future damage to the teeth and gums.
Our dentists can fix misaligned, crooked, or missing teeth that your TMJ disorder causes. We recommend restorative missing teeth treatments or orthodontic treatment plans. We offer dental implants, dental bridges, dentures, and Invisalign to our patients.
Oral surgery is an option for patients who have a severe TMJ disorder. However, it’s more of a last resort. We will diagnose and recommend treatment following a thorough exam.
TMJ Treatment FAQs
TMJ disorders are complex and can be extra painful. Treating them can help you find relief and able to live a normal life. Read through our frequently asked questions TMJ treatment. Call our Frederick dental office if you have any further questions.
What will happen if I do not treat TMJ symptoms?
Without treatment, TMJ symptoms will worsen and become more severe over time. TMJ disorders can lead to chronic pain and discomfort in your jaw joint and muscles. Gum recession or inflammation will get worse with TMJ issues.
TMJ disorders create jaw misalignment that lead to teeth grinding (bruxism). Teeth grinding can cause tooth wear, fractures, broken, chipped, and cracked teeth. Patients may also notice chronic and debilitating headaches from the constant strain on the jaw joint and muscles.
To prevent these problems, contact our dental office as soon as possible. Preventing teeth grinding and aligning your bite will help manage your TMJ disorder and stop symptoms.
How long does it take to heal after TMJ surgery?
Recovery time from TMJ surgery can vary depending on the individual and the specific procedure. Most of the options we offer to patients are outpatient procedures, meaning you will be home on the same day. However, generally expect healing after TMJ surgery to take several weeks to months.
You’ll typically feel jaw pain, tenderness, swelling, and bruising after TMJ surgery. For the first day following surgery, apply cold packs to your face for no longer than 20 minutes at a time. This will help reduce pain and the swelling so you feel comfortable.
However, you will need several days of rest following your procedure. Our dental specialist will review aftercare instructions and maintain open communication with you.
How do I alleviate TMJ symptoms at home?
You can do many things at home to help alleviate your TMJ pain. Here are a few methods you can try:
- Apply an ice pack or heat pack to your jaw. A warm compress or an ice pack can help reduce pain and swelling. Experiment with both heat and cold therapy to see which works best for you.
- Take anti-inflammatory medicines. These medicines can help temporarily relieve pain and reduce swelling. Muscle relaxants help reduce jaw clicking or popping noises and ease pain when opening or closing your mouth.
- Try some jaw exercises. Gentle exercises and physical therapy can strengthen the muscles around your jaw joint.
- Avoid hard or chewy foods. Eat softer foods that require less chewing to minimize strain on your jaw joint. Cutting your food into smaller pieces and chewing slowly will also help.
These home remedies aim to alleviate symptoms temporarily, but it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional. Especially if the symptoms persist despite trying these methods at home.
How long does TMJ treatment take?
The typical TMJ duration for treatment in adults is between 18 months and 3 years. It may take a few weeks to a few months before you experience any noticeable long-term results. The duration of the treatment really depends on the patient and the severity of there condition. Also, how well they tolerate treatment will impact treatment time.
Does TMJ surgery change your face?
Your face can appear sunken in from the front, the side, or both when your jaw is out of place. Your facial symmetry may appear more aligned after a restorative jaw treatment. So, TMJ surgery may change the shape of your face but it is usually for the better.
Schedule a consult for TMJ treatment in Frederick, MD. If you think that you have a TMJ disorder, call the Frederick Center for Dentistry at 301-264-5680. You can also request a dentist appointment with our dentists on our website. We offer various forms of TMJ treatment in Frederick to help you find relief from your TMJ symptoms.