The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are the complex joints that connect the lower jaw to the skull. These joints move the jaw in all directions (up, down, right, left, backward, and forward), making it possible to chew, speak, swallow, and more. For some people, the temporomandibular joints do not function properly, and these cases are known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD)
What Is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?
Temporomandibular joint disorder is not a single issue. Rather, the term refers to a group of conditions that lead to problems with the function of the temporomandibular joints.
Signs and Symptoms of TMD
TMD can cause several painful and uncomfortable symptoms including:
What Causes TMD?
Several different underlying issues can contribute to and cause TMD, such as:
How Is TMD Diagnosed?
TMD is typically diagnosed through patient consultation and examination. If a patient reports experiencing symptoms of TMD, our dentist will further examine their head, neck, face, and jaw for signs of TMD. Additionally, we might notice abnormal patterns of wear on the surfaces of a patient's teeth that can indicate bruxism or malocclusion. If necessary, we might recommend diagnostic imaging to further understand the underlying cause of a patient's TMD.
Specialized Treatment Strategies for TMD/TMJ
There are several approaches to addressing TMD, and the treatment or combination of treatments that are right for each patient depends on the underlying cause and other contributing factors. While some approaches to TMD management simply focus on managing and mitigating symptoms, others attempt to resolve the underlying problem.
At-Home Relief
For relief from symptoms at home, patients can take over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help relieve pain. Hot or cold compresses applied to the jaw joints can also help to reduce swelling and muscle tension to mitigate pain.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Some cases of TMD can be adequately managed with lifestyle changes such as eating soft foods, not chewing gum or hard objects, and managing stress and anxiety during the day to reduce occurrences of sleep bruxism. Additionally, some patients find relief through holistic approaches to treatment such as acupuncture, massage, chiropractic adjustment, or physical therapy.
Nightguard
A mouthguard specially designed to be worn at night holds the jaws in a particular position to prevent sleep bruxism and keep the muscles that support the jaw joints more relaxed during sleep.
Bite Equilibration
Adjusting the biting surfaces of the teeth through gentle reshaping can often remove interferences that cause muscle tension and pain. It also will often resolve misalignment of the jaw bones to relieve joint inflammation.
Botox
Botox can also be used to address issues with overly tense and sore jaw muscles. Botox injections are strategically placed to help relax small muscle groups within the jaws and temporomandibular joints to prevent excessive tension, teeth grinding, and jaw clenching.
Orthodontics
When malocclusion is the primary underlying cause of TMD, then orthodontic treatment can be highly effective for addressing the joint dysfunction. For patients with mild to moderate alignment issues. Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment issue. More complex or severe cases might be better addressed with alternative orthodontic treatments such as traditional braces, lingual braces, or ceramic braces.
Surgery
In extreme cases that cannot be addressed or adequately managed with less invasive strategies, jaw surgery is sometimes recommended for resolving TMD.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder Relief with Our Owensboro Dentist
If you're suffering from TMD symptoms, remember that relief is possible. At the Center for Cosmetic & General Dentistry, we provide our patients with comprehensive TMD treatment, offering several approaches to diagnosing the underlying cause, resolving these issues, and relieving symptoms. We encourage you to contact our dental office Owensboro to request a consultation with our dentist today.
Please call 270-684-3610 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We'll be in touch soon.