Protecting Your Jaw And Overall Wellness
Symptoms including chronic headaches or migraines, earaches, and jaw pain may seem unrelated to dentistry but actually can indicate problems with your overall oral health The health and function of your jaw affect not only your teeth and mouth but also can impact the rest of your body. That’s why our team at State Street Smiles ensures that in addition to your teeth, your jaw health is in optimal condition as well.
Trauma, stress, and underlying conditions can cause issues with your jaw which can make normal tasks such as eating and speaking painful. If you experience any discomfort in your jaw, Dr. Jackson can check for signs of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) and create a personalized treatment plan to address your symptoms.
What is TMD?
TMJ disorder occurs when excess pressure is put onto your temporomandibular joints (TMJ), which help to make up your jaw muscles. These joints are present on both sides of your face and connect your skull to your lower jaw. They also allow you to open and close your mouth as well as move from side to side. TMJ disorder (TMD) can manifest when issues arise with these joints or even the surrounding muscles, bones, discs, and cartilage.
Causes of TMD
Because of the complexity of this disorder and the variety of potential causes, our experts at State Street Smiles understand the importance of evaluating your case and creating a treatment plan personalized to your unique situation. Some causes of TMD may include:
- Misalignment of your temporomandibular joints
- Damaged jaw muscles of tissue due to arthritis
- Trauma sustained due to a sports injury or accident
- Malocclusion (ill-bite) due to orthodontic issues
- Jaw tension due to clenching or nighttime teeth grinding (bruxism)
These issues can put more pressure on your TMJ and cause pain as well as a variety of other symptoms.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
TMD causes pain and discomfort that can be temporary or chronic depending on the severity of your case. While many patients consider this pain to be normal, TMJ issues can affect either side of your face.
Other symptoms of TMD to consider include:
- Tenderness, soreness, or pain in your jaw, face, shoulders, neck, and ears whenever you open your mouth wide, chew, or speak
- Difficulty speaking, chewing, or opening your mouth
- Swelling of lymph nodes
- Swelling in the side of your face
- Popping, grating, or clicking sounds beneath your ear when moving your mouth
- Lockjaw (trismus) wherein your jaw becomes frozen in an open or closed position.
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Headaches or chronic migraines
- Dizziness
- Toothaches
If you’re experiencing any of these issues, we recommend that you make an appointment with Dr. Jackson by calling (201) 389-2183 so that we can determine if TMJ therapy can help relieve your symptoms.
Dangers of Untreated TMD
While the most common symptom of TMD is pain in the jaw, the longer you go without treatment, the more intense the discomfort will become. For some patients, chronic pain may not seem serious, but if you leave your TMD untreated, you also run the risk of:
- Dislocation, lockjaw, and other serious injuries to the jaw
- Increased risk of connective tissue diseases such as arthritis
- Irreversible damage to teeth due to teeth grinding
- Gum recession
- Hearing loss due to prolonged tinnitus
A majority of TMD cases can be corrected non-surgically. Dr. Jackson will always explore non-invasive treatment options before considering surgery, which can permanently solve your TMJ issues.
TMJ Therapy Treatment
TMJ issues can be reversed with proper treatment that’s custom-designed depending on the cause of your symptoms. During your consultation, Dr. Jackson will provide a comprehensive examination to create a treatment plan designed for your unique situation.
If your TMJ symptoms are a result of orthodontic issues, Dr. Jackson may recommend treatments or procedures that correct these issues as part of your individualized plan.
If stress and tension are core factors of your symptoms, we may also recommend relaxation and stress management techniques as part of your plan.
For patients who grind in their sleep, a customized nighttime oral appliance, otherwise known as a nightguard, may be prescribed.
They are comfortable appliances you wear during sleep and can protect you from the negative effects of teeth grinding and jaw tension that may be causing your symptoms.
No two cases of TMD are the same. When you visit State Street Smiles, you can trust that your TMJ therapy treatment plan is tailored to your specific situation and designed to help you reclaim your pain-free life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TMJ, and what causes TMJ disorders?
Your temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, connects the jawbone to the skull. TMJ disorders can arise from various factors, including jaw injuries, teeth grinding (bruxism), misalignment of the teeth or jaw, arthritis, or stress. Symptoms may include jaw pain, headaches, neck pain, and difficulty chewing or speaking. Understanding the underlying cause of your TMJ disorder is crucial for tailoring effective treatment.
What are the common symptoms of TMJ disorders?
Common symptoms can vary from person to person. Still typical symptoms indicative of TMJ disorder often include pain or tenderness of the jaw, popping or clicking sounds when moving the jaw, frequent headaches or earaches, pain in the neck, and difficulty opening and closing the mouth. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to consult with Dr. Jackson for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate treatment options.
What treatment options are available for TMJ disorders?
At State Street Smiles, we offer a range of treatment options for TMJ disorders tailored to your needs. Initial conservative treatments may include lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and the use of night guards to prevent grinding. If symptoms are more severe, we may recommend orthodontics, biobloc therapy, or other advanced treatment modalities. Dr. Jackson will work closely with you to determine the best approach based on your specific symptoms and condition.
How can a night guard help with TMJ disorders?
A night guard is a custom-made oral appliance that fits over your teeth and prevents teeth from grinding and clenching during sleep. By cushioning the jaw and keeping the teeth separated, night guards can help alleviate pressure on the TMJ, reduce muscle tension, and prevent damage to your teeth. Many patients find significant relief from their TMJ symptoms when consistently using a night guard as part of their treatment plan.
Are there any non-invasive treatments for TMJ disorders?
Yes! The initial line of treatment for TMJ issues is frequently non-invasive. These may include physical therapy, stress management techniques, lifestyle modifications, and over-the-counter pain relief medications. Dr. Jackson may also recommend dietary changes to avoid hard or chewy foods that could exacerbate symptoms. In many cases, non-invasive treatments can reduce pain and improve function without resorting to more invasive procedures.
How long does it take to see improvement with TMJ treatment?
The timeline for improvement in TMJ symptoms can vary significantly based on the severity of the condition and individual response to treatment. Many patients experience noticeable relief within a few weeks of starting conservative treatment. However, more complex cases may require several months of treatment to achieve optimal results. Regular follow-ups with Dr. Jackson will allow adjustments to your treatment plan to ensure you receive the most effective care possible.
