People who grind their teeth may develop a major jaw problem that, if left untreated, can harm the mouth’s teeth, gums, and bone structures. One of the most frequent jaw diseases is caused by a problem with the temporomandibular joint, which joins your lower jaw to your skull and allows your upper and lower jaw to open and close, making chewing and speaking easier. When opening and closing their jaws, people with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) may hear a clicking or popping sound. These conditions are frequently accompanied by headaches, neck aches, and, in some cases, tooth sensitivity.

TMD therapies include muscle relaxants, aspirin, biofeedback, and sleeping with a small plastic appliance in the mouth. Minor TMD symptoms include soreness or pain in the jaw muscles. More serious issues include misaligned joints and dislocated jaws. The most severe form of TMD is characterized by an arthritic state of the jaw joint. Traumatic traumas can also cause jaw dislocation. Jaw surgery may be required in some circumstances to rectify the problem. Arthroscopy can be used to do some jaw surgery. At Monahan Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we are proud to offer a full range of services to our patients. Our staff is highly trained and experienced in treating TMD disorders. We will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is right for you. We offer non-surgical and surgical options, depending on the severity of your condition. Our goal is to relieve your pain and help you regain the full function of your jaw. If you are experiencing symptoms of TMD, please call us to schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you find relief from your pain.

What is TMJ Disorder?

TMJ disorder is a condition that causes pain and dysfunction in the temporomandibular joints. These are the joints that connect your lower jaw to your skull and allow your upper and lower jaw to move. TMJ disorder can be caused by a number of things, including teeth grinding, clenching, or joint problems. It can also be caused by traumatic injury to the jaw. Symptoms of TMJ disorder can include pain in the jaw, face, or ear, clicking or popping sounds when you move your jaw, and difficulty chewing or swallowing.

Our dentists here at Monahan Family and Cosmetic Dentistry can help to diagnose and treat TMJ disorder. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our office today to schedule an appointment. We define three different types of TMJ disorders:

Myofascial pain – This is the most common type of TMJ disorder, characterized by muscle pain and tenderness.
Internal derangement – This type of TMJ disorder occurs when there is a problem with the joint itself, such as a dislocation or a fracture.
Arthritis – This is the least common type of TMJ disorder, characterized by joint inflammation.

Monahan Family and Cosmetic Dentistry are here to help you with all your dental needs, including TMJ disorder. If you are experiencing any symptoms of TMJ disorder, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our office today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you achieve optimal oral health!

How to treat TMJ?

Treatment for TMJ disorder will vary depending on the condition’s underlying cause. Myofascial pain can often be treated with muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory medications. If you think you may have TMJ disorder, see your dentist or doctor. They will ask about your symptoms and medical history and do a physical examination. They may also order X-rays or other tests to rule out other conditions. Treatment for TMJ disorder may include home care, such as over-the-counter pain relievers, ice, and heat; lifestyle changes, such as avoiding chewy foods; and dental appliances, such as mouth guards. If these treatments don’t relieve your symptoms, you may need surgery. If you have TMJ dysfunction, your healthcare physician will most likely recommend conservative therapy options first. However, many of these techniques can be used in conjunction to provide TMJ relief:

As needed, use wet heat or cold packs. Apply an ice pack to the side of your face and temple area for about 10 minutes to relieve acute pain. Simple jaw stretching exercises should be performed (as instructed by your healthcare provider). After exercising, place a warm towel or washcloth on your face for about five minutes. Repeat this several times per day. Consume soft foods. Eat soft meals like yogurt, mashed potatoes, cottage cheese, soup, scrambled eggs, salmon, cooked fruits and vegetables, beans, and grains to keep your jaw from working overtime. Avoid frozen and crunchy foods (such as hard rolls, pretzels, and raw carrots) and chewy foods (like caramels and taffy). Also, it would be best if you did not chew gum. If you are experiencing symptoms of TMJ disorder, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our office today to schedule an appointment. We can help to diagnose and treat your condition and relieve your pain.

Do You Have TMJ Disorder?

TMJ issues may be to blame if you experience pain in your jaw, face, or head. It may be uncomfortable to talk, eat, or even yawn due to this widespread condition. Fortunately, there are therapies that might lessen your symptoms and help you feel more like yourself. TMJ surgery should be undertaken only if all other therapeutic options have been exhausted and severe pain persists. While TMJ surgery is the best option for many people, it is critical to examine your options and make an educated decision. Arthrocentesis, arthroscopy, and open joint surgery are the three types of TMJ surgery. The extent of the TMJ symptoms and the difficulty of the issue will decide the type of surgery needed.

Monahan Family and Cosmetic Dentistry are dedicated to giving our patients the highest quality treatment. To address your specific needs and assist you in achieving excellent oral health, we provide a range of services. For instance, if you have a TMJ condition, we can design a personalized treatment plan to help you manage your pain and enhance your quality of life. Please call us today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve your best smile!