Can TMJ Be Cured?

TMJ, also known as temporomandibular joint disorder, can significantly interfere with a patient's quality of life. Causing painful symptoms, TMJ may prevent you from eating, sleeping, and relaxing.

If you have TMJ, you may not feel optimistic about your condition. The good news is that your dentist can help you cure TMJ. Several treatment avenues can reduce symptom severity or relieve them altogether.

How TMJ Works

TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint. Two of these joints connect your lower jaw (mandible) to your skull. These joints are among the most complex in the human body, with an impressive natural range of motion and function. As sliding hinges, the joints can freely move back and forth, up and down, and side to side.

Symptoms of TMJ

Following are some of the most common symptoms of this disorder:

• Pain in the jaw joints and surrounding area, including the face, ear, temples, and cheeks
• The jaw makes noise when it moves, especially when accompanied by pain
• Painful chewing
• Headaches
• Irritability

Causes of TMJ

TMJ disorder happens when the joints become inflamed due to internal problems or overuse. There are three leading causes of TMJ:

• Jaw injuries such as a car accident or blow to the face
• Arthritis
• Disk problems inside the joint

However, the disorder may not always have a clear cause. Evidence strongly links TMJ to stress and other psychological factors. The connection between TMJ and bruxism (chronic teeth grinding) has not been proven, but many practitioners believe it is a significant contributor.

Treatments for TMJ

Lifestyle Changes

Try to reduce stress as much as possible. When the disorder flares up, eat a softer diet. Avoid broad jaw movements like yawning or singing.

Custom Night Guard

A night guard can protect your jaw muscles from the effects of bruxism and reduce TMJ symptoms.

Oral Appliance Therapy

A custom oral appliance can position your jaws in a relaxed position to prevent aggravating the TMJ joints.

Surgery

If other treatment avenues are ineffective, TMJ surgery can help eliminate discomfort. Surgery is a last resort and is primarily for patients with physical joint damage. Most patients will find significant relief with the above methods.

Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ

How does stress cause TMJ?

Many patients naturally clench or grind their teeth when they feel stressed. They may also hold their jaw and neck muscles stiffly. Reduced range of movement and overuse of the TMJ joint and surrounding muscles can lead to facial, jaw, and ear pain.

What can I do to stop it?

Many patients feel discouraged when they learn that stress may contribute to their issue, but they can take concrete steps to improve this condition. Meditation, yoga, biofeedback, and talk therapy often help patients feel better.

Call Davis Gribble Hollowwa Dental

If you experience symptoms that could point to TMJ disorder, don't wait to seek treatment. We will gladly meet you and evaluate your issues, recommending effective treatment. Please call our Albuquerque, NM, office at 505-898-1976 to schedule your consultation today.