Welcome to Marshall Family Dental, a compassionate and comprehensive dental care office. Our focus is more than just your smile; we are committed to enhancing every aspect of your oral health. Much of this commitment involves treating complex restorative dental issues like Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders.
Understanding TMJ Disorders
The temporomandibular joint plays a vital role in our daily lives, enabling us to talk and eat comfortably. This flexible joint connects your jawbone to the skull, acting as a sliding hinge each time you move your mouth. When this joint faces disorder or dysfunction, it can significantly affect the quality of life. Recognizing these symptoms early could save you further distress.
One of the most common symptoms is pain throughout the jaw and face. Because of the TMJ’s location, patients may also experience headaches and earaches. Pay attention to the way your jaw functions. Many patients experience popping or clicking when opening and closing their mouths. The stiffening of the bones and muscles can make it difficult to move your mouth in certain ways. It can get caught in positions.
It can be difficult to diagnose TMJ disorders because they share symptoms with so many other conditions. You can explain it away with conditions like migraines, toothaches, or sinus infections. An experienced dentist must perform a thorough exam and determine if your symptoms are caused by a TMJ condition.
Am I at High Risk for TMJ Disorders?
Certain risk factors put you at a higher likelihood of developing the condition. Genetics always plays a part when it comes to your body. If you have a family history of TMJ disorders, it’s more likely that you’ll get the same condition. Talk to your parents and see if they have a history of TMJ. This can help you be proactive and avoid things, making you even more likely to develop TMJ.
Age and gender impact your chances. Women are more likely to develop this condition than men. While it isn’t well-known why, it may be related to the hormonal difference between women and men. Usually, TMJ disorders occur between the ages of 20 and 40, but they can happen at any age. Our jaw joint loses cartilage as we age and experiences more wear and tear. Conditions like arthritis can make these symptoms worse.
Stress and anxiety can cause you to clench or grind your teeth. You’re also more likely to have neck and shoulder tension, which can impact the tension around the jaw joint. If you sit a lot at work, be sure to consider your posture. Posture is essential for the jaw joint. If you often slouch or hunch over, those muscles in your neck tighten again, causing tension in the jaw joint.
Another big factor is a misaligned bite. Your bite should be even, with your teeth coming together in a certain way. If your teeth don’t align properly, the jaw joint is put under extra stress. Trauma and jaw dislocation can have the same effect.
TMJ Treatment Options in Marshall, TX
There are many different ways to treat TMJ. Each patient has a different experience with TMJ, and we must understand yours. We’ll talk to you about your symptoms and how these things impact your daily life. If it’s debilitating enough, it can make simple tasks difficult. The dentist will perform a thorough oral exam that includes digital imaging. This allows us to examine your jaw joint and how everything comes together.
For mild cases, we help you change your habits. Chewing gum frequently or eating hard or chewy foods to break down overworks your jaw. Heat or ice can reduce pain and swelling in the jaw joint area. Practice habits like meditation that can help you relax your body and mind, reducing muscle and joint tension. We can also teach you simple exercises to gently work your jaw and lessen pain and other symptoms.
In more serious cases, we’ll use other options. One of the most common is oral appliance therapy. A splint or mouthguard repositions your jaw to decrease tension and pain. We recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for TMJ. For each guard we create, we use impressions of your smile to make sure it’s unique and fits properly.
We may also prescribe medication, such as muscle relaxers or pain medication, to minimize discomfort and relax tension. Physical therapy can also help. A physical therapist teaches you exercises to strengthen your jaw muscles or improve your range of motion. In severe cases, we may need to recommend you for surgical treatment.
What Causes TMJ?
One common cause of TMJ disorder is misalignment of the jaw joint or teeth. When the jaw is not properly aligned, the muscles and ligaments that control jaw movement can become strained, leading to inflammation and pain in the TMJ. Various factors, including genetics, injury, or poor dental work, can cause this misalignment.
Another potential cause of TMJ disorder is bruxism, or teeth grinding. Grinding or clenching the teeth puts excessive pressure on the TMJ, leading to muscle tension and joint inflammation. This can result from stress, anxiety, other psychological factors, and an abnormal bite or missing teeth.
Injury to the jaw joint or surrounding muscles is another common cause of TMJ disorder. Trauma to the jaw, such as a blow to the face or whiplash injury, can damage the TMJ and lead to pain and dysfunction. Also, habits like chewing on hard objects or biting nails can contribute to jaw joint injuries.
Arthritis is another potential cause of TMJ disorder. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions can affect the TMJ, leading to pain, swelling, and limited jaw movement. These conditions may be more common in older adults but can also affect people of any age.
Stress and tension are major risk factors for TMJ disorder. Chronic stress can lead to muscle tension and clenching of the jaw, which can strain the TMJ and cause pain. Additionally, poor posture and other habits that strain the jaw joint can contribute to the development of TMJ disorder.
Certain medical conditions, such as sleep apnea, can also increase the risk of developing TMJ disorder. Sleep apnea is when breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep, leading to poor oxygen supply and muscle tension. This can put strain on the TMJ and contribute to the development of TMJ disorder.
Further, hormonal changes, such as those experienced during pregnancy or menopause, can also affect the TMJ and lead to pain and dysfunction. Fluctuations in hormone levels can impact the muscles and ligaments that control jaw movement, leading to inflammation and discomfort in the TMJ.
TMJ Treatment FAQs
TMJ is a debilitating condition that can make it difficult to use your jaw properly. The answers below can help you learn more about the condition and its treatment.
Is TMJ disorder permanent?
Not necessarily—many people experience temporary symptoms that resolve with conservative treatments. Others may require ongoing management, especially if structural problems or chronic conditions are involved. With the right care, most patients find significant relief. Regular follow-up helps track progress and adjust treatment if needed.
Can stress make TMJ disorder worse?
Absolutely—stress is a major contributor to TMJ symptoms. It often leads to habits like jaw clenching or teeth grinding, which put pressure on the joints. Stress management techniques such as meditation, breathing exercises, or therapy can significantly reduce symptoms. Addressing emotional stress is a key part of comprehensive TMJ care.
Can TMJ disorder affect my ears?
Yes, TMJ problems can cause ear-related symptoms like earaches, ringing (tinnitus), or a feeling of fullness. These symptoms occur because the TM joints are located near the ears. Often, ear symptoms are misdiagnosed until a dental evaluation reveals TMJ as the cause. Treating the jaw disorder typically relieves the ear symptoms as well.
How long does it take to feel relief from TMJ treatment?
Some patients feel better within a few days or weeks of starting treatment, especially with rest and conservative care. More complex cases may take several months to fully improve. Ongoing maintenance and lifestyle changes are often required to prevent symptoms from returning. Your provider will monitor your progress and adjust the plan as needed.
Can TMJ disorder affect my sleep?
Yes, TMJ disorder can significantly impact sleep quality. Jaw pain, teeth grinding (bruxism), and muscle tension may cause frequent awakenings or discomfort while lying down. Some patients also develop sleep apnea or snoring related to jaw positioning. Night guards, relaxation techniques, and addressing the root cause of TMJ can help improve sleep.
Can TMJ disorder go away on its own?
Mild TMJ symptoms can sometimes resolve without treatment, especially if they’re related to temporary stress or minor injury. However, chronic or worsening symptoms should not be ignored. Early treatment improves outcomes and helps prevent long-term joint damage. If you’re experiencing ongoing jaw pain, seek professional help for proper diagnosis and care.
Schedule an Appointment
At Marshall Family Dental, your comfort matters as much as your health. Don’t let debilitating pain steal away joyous moments. Schedule an appointment with our dedicated team right away.