Temporomandibular joints, or TMJ, are responsible for opening and closing the mouth. TMJ dentist treatment can help patients find relief for jaw discomfort, soreness, and pain. The term refers to the jaw as well as nerves, muscles, and ligaments connected to it.
TMJ dentist treatment is available at JG Dental in San Juan Capistrano and the surrounding area. Our team of dental professionals performs a careful evaluation to understand what may be contributing to the patient's TMJ pain. To schedule a personal evaluation and get started with TMJ treatment, call (949) 493-6006 right away.
Why Temporomandibular Joints Are So Important
The mouth has one temporomandibular joint on each side. These joints connect the jaw to the rest of the face. Besides moving up and down, they also provide motion from side to side. This flexibility is what allows people to talk, laugh, and eat. These activities are vital parts of life.
On the inside, these joints are covered with cartilage for protection. A special disk rests in between the ball and socket to provide extra cushioning. Muscles and tendons connected to the jaw hold it in place and also assist with motion.
“Besides moving up and down, they also provide motion from side to side.”
Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)
Damage to the individual components of TMJ can lead to several serious problems. These include:
These conditions are known as temporomandibular disorders or TMD. Many people call them TMJ, though. A TMJ dentist understands how to alleviate joint pain symptoms using a combination of physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and advanced treatment options.
Intense headaches
Ear pain
Chronic TMJ pain
Tense facial muscles
Inability to open or close the mouth
“Damage to the individual components of TMJ can lead to several serious problems.”
Causes of TMD
Medical professionals are not entirely sure what causes TMD. According to the Mayo Clinic, pain may be due to a combination of physical and genetic factors. Certain conditions can increase your risk of developing TMJ problems or contribute to pain:
Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis can damage cartilage and expose sensitive nerves in the jaw, leading to chronic pain and inflammation of surrounding tissues.
Jaw injury: A sudden blow or fracture can hurt the TMJ and related bones, cartilage, or disks. Misaligned or damaged parts of this sensitive area can provoke severe pain almost immediately.
Dislocation: A dislocated jaw can have long-term effects on the tendons, cartilage, and muscles in the affected area.
Tooth alignment issues: Some people are born with severely misaligned teeth, which can add to the discomfort that joints deal with and cause improper wear.
Chronic grinding or clenching of teeth: Constantly clenching teeth or grinding them increases the risk of developing TMD and makes it harder to treat inflammation.
Stress: People under a lot of stress may develop TMJ pain and inflammation if they start to grind or clench the teeth.
“Medical professionals are not entirely sure what causes TMD.”
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How a TMJ Dentist Can Help
There are many treatments to help with TMJ pain. Some reduce inflammation of sore tissues and strengthen the patient's jaw muscles. Other therapies promote relaxation and help to ease tense muscles and tendons.
Another way TMJ dentists provide relief is by correcting poor dental alignment. When teeth fit together correctly, TMJ muscles can work smoothly. This can also help to prevent clenching and grinding. Using special orthodontic appliances or mouth guards, it is often possible to reduce the effects of grinding the teeth at night.
“Some reduce inflammation of sore tissues and strengthen the patient's jaw muscles.”
Questions Answered on This Page
People Also Ask
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of TMD treatment?
Besides offering noninvasive treatment options designed to alleviate symptoms, we also provide physical therapy and advanced techniques to increase patient comfort. The purpose of these treatments is to help patients enjoy a better quality of life:
Do disorders treated by a TMJ dentist require surgery?
Every patient is unique, and an in-depth analysis is required to determine the best treatment options available. In most cases, patients do not need corrective surgery to provide relief from symptoms. Noninvasive treatment options include prescription medication, physical therapy, mouth guards, orthodontics, and specialized injections. There is also a minimally invasive technique that involves using fluid to irrigate stuck joints and eliminate debris.
How can TMJ dentist patients avoid grinding teeth?
According to Sleep.org, grinding usually occurs while people are sleeping. It can also happen subconsciously during the day, either due to stress or discomfort from misaligned teeth. One way to avoid this problem is to treat the underlying condition by learning techniques to relax and minimize stress. A mouthguard can also be useful for protecting the teeth from grinding while patients sleep.
How long does TMJ dentist treatment take?
The time required to experience relief from TMJ pain varies depending on patients' lifestyle, what type of symptoms they experience, and what is causing the problem. For example, chronic TMJ pain caused by arthritis may require ongoing sessions for therapy and debris removal. In the case of muscle spasms, treatment may only last a few days or weeks.
What symptoms indicated patients should visit a TMJ dentist?
The main indication that it is time to contact a TMJ dentist is having sharp or persistent pain in the jaw muscles. Some people also hear a distinctive click when opening or closing the mouth. Waking up with a stiff or stuck jaw is another sign that patients may have TMD. According to WebMD.com, people with a TMJ disorder may also notice ringing in the ears, toothaches, headaches, dizziness, neck aches, and hearing issues.
Quality Dental Services Can Transform Your Smile
By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.
Dental Terminology
Arthrocentesis
Arthrocentesis is a procedure that removes synovial fluid from a joint capsule using a syringe.
Bruxism
Bruxism is a condition that involves conscious and unconscious teeth grinding, or jaw clenching during the day and night.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry is generally used to refer to any dental work that improves the appearance (though not necessarily the function) of a person’s teeth, gums and/or bite.
Dental Checkup
A dental checkup is an appointment that involves cleaning the teeth, identifying any signs of infection and removing said signs of infection at least once every six months in the office.
Dentist
A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the inflammation of gum tissue that results from plaque, other infections in the mouth and poor oral hygiene.
Preventive Dentistry
Preventive dentistry is the dentistry that focuses on maintaining oral health in order to prevent the spread of plaque, the formation of tartar and infections in the mouth.
Occlusal Appliances
Occlusal appliances are a type of plastic oral appliance that is not invasive and is removable such as, a night guard, bite guard or splint.
Temporomandibular Joint
The temporomandibular joint is the joint between the temporal bone and the lower jaw that helps with opening and closing the jaw.
TMD
TMD also stands for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder which is when the temporomandibular bone and jaw bone rub against each other improperly and cause pain.
TMJ Arthroscopy
A TMJ arthroscopy is a type of minimally invasive procedure to see the temporomandibular joint with a special camera through a small incision in the cheek.
HELPFUL RELATED LINKS
American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). Home Page. 2024
WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
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JG Dental was established in 1991.
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