The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are the two points where the jawbone connects to the rest of the skeleton. Over the course of a life of speaking and chewing, the muscles, bones, nerves, and other tissues in this joint can become overstressed, leading to a variety of painful TMJ disorders. Here’s some information on TMJ disorders along with a few ways a dentist can treat them.
How Do I Know If I Have a TMJ Disorder?
Fortunately, a TMJ disorder can usually be easily self-diagnosed. It might be wise to consult with a dentist if you have symptoms like:
- Pain near the ears and jaw during chewing
- Pressure behind the face, especially around the eyes
- Frequent headaches or migraines
- Swelling or tenderness in the face
- Ringing in the ears
- The jaw locks in open or closed positions
Considering how much people use their jaws in their day-to-day life, these symptoms can be severely painful and debilitating. Thankfully, catching these disorders early on can save a patient much discomfort.
How Can a Dentist Treat TMJ Disorders?
There are surgical and nonsurgical treatments for TMJ disorders. A dentist may prescribe medications or physical therapy. They may also advise the patient as to a few lifestyle changes that can help alleviate the symptoms in their TMJ. Medications prescribed may be anti-inflammatory pain relievers or for more severe cases they may be muscle relaxants or even tricyclic antidepressants. Physical therapy may take the form of jaw stretches and treating the problem areas with heat or ice packs. A dentist may also provide patients with a mouth guard or oral splint to prevent teeth grinding at night.
In some severe cases, surgical treatments may be necessary to treat TMJ disorders. However, these treatments are rarely used. If TMJ disorders are left untreated, they can lead to worsening pain that can diminish a patient’s ability to eat or speak.
While TMJ disorders can be incredibly unpleasant, dentists can provide patients with treatments to help them be comfortable while chewing thoroughly. It’s always better to treat a TMJ issue early so it doesn’t have the time to get worse.
About the Author
Dr. Phillip Johnson earned his dental degree at Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry, where he made the Dean’s List every year and graduated in the top 10% of his class. He is a proud member of the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association. His office in Midlothian, TX offers preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as TMJ therapy. If you are concerned that you might have a TMJ disorder, contact the office online or dial (972) 723-3567.