Do you suffer from frequent jaw pain, tension headaches, and earaches? If so, you may be suffering from something known as a TMJ disorder. A TMJ disorder occurs when your jaw’s temporomandibular joints (TMJ) become inflamed or injured. Often caused by underlying dental concerns, we can pinpoint the source of your discomfort and treat it effectively. Our office provides TMJ Treatment in Gaithersburg, MD.
At TotallySmiles, our doctors have helped hundreds of patients restore their jaw health and peace of mind with personalized TMJ treatment plans. It is vital to seek professional treatment if you think you have a TMJ disorder to prevent further damage to your teeth and jaw joints. Treating temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) can prevent tooth wear, jaw damage, and chronic pain.
What are the Temporomandibular Joints?
The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are two intricate hinges that you will find in front of each ear, connecting the jawbone (mandible) to the skull. These essential joints allow us to perform key, everyday tasks important to living. The TMJ enables us to speak, chew, yawn, and make facial expressions. They give the lower jaw its full range of motion and function. Among the most complex joints in the body, the TMJ allows the mandible to execute hinge and sliding motions simultaneously.
These complex joints are made of several parts that work in harmony to aid in smooth jaw movement:
- Articular Disc: A small disc of fibrous connective tissue acts as a cushion between the jawbone and the skull, absorbing shock and reducing friction during jaw movements.
- Articular Surfaces: The rounded condyle part of the mandible and the glenoid fossa part of the temporal bone form the articulating surfaces of the TMJ, allowing for smooth gliding motions.
- Ligaments and Muscles: A system of ligaments and muscles, such as the temporalis and masseter muscles, stabilize and control the movement of the TMJ.
What is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?
The TMJ are crucial in our daily lives, allowing us to speak, eat, and make facial expressions. However, when these joints malfunction, it may lead to a condition known as temporomandibular disorder (TMD).
Temporomandibular joint disorder comprises a variety of conditions affecting the TMJ and the surrounding muscles and tissues. Characteristics of TMD, or temporomandibular joint dysfunction, include pain, discomfort, and dysfunction in the jaw area. However, many signs and symptoms should tell you TMJ disorder is present.
Causes of TMJ Disorders
TMD can manifest in various forms, ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain. It is a complex condition with many causes, and due to its complexity of symptoms and causes, it can even be hard to diagnose.
The most likely factors and causes of TMJ disorder include:
- Trauma: Injuries to the jaw, such as a blow to the face or whiplash from a car accident, can disrupt the delicate balance of the TMJ and lead to TMD.
- Bruxism: Teeth grinding or clenching, especially during sleep, can strain the TMJ and surrounding muscles excessively.
- Stress: Emotional stress and anxiety can cause people to unknowingly clench their jaws or grind their teeth, contributing to TMD.
- Arthritis: Inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis lead to joint degeneration and pain, causing TMJ disorder.
- Jaw Misalignment: Structural irregularities or jaw misalignment, such as an overbite or underbite, can put a of stress on the TMJ and surrounding muscles.
- Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones, particularly during menstrual cycles or menopause, can influence the TMJ and exacerbate TMD symptoms.
Certain Dental Concerns that Cause TMJ Disorder
Many patients that suffer from teeth grinding may develop TMJ disorder. The consistent additional pressure applied to the joints leads to inflammation and pain over time.
Another dental cause of TMJ disorders is issues with your bite pattern and crooked teeth. If you have teeth missing, crooked teeth, or an underbite or an overbite, this will lead to instability in your bite, which will place extra stress and strain on your TMJ.
Signs of TMJ Disorders
The signs and symptoms of TMJ disorder will vary from patient to patient. It will also depend on the severity of the condition. TMJ disorders present with a variety of symptoms, including:
- Worn-down teeth
- Clicking or popping in your jaw
- Chronic headaches
- Frequent earaches
- Neck and shoulder tension
- Locking of the jaw
- Pain biting and chewing
- Dizziness or vertigo
TMJ Treatment in Gaithersburg, MD
Dr. Steven Anolik and Dr. Corey Anolik are experienced restorative dentists in Gaithersburg, MD. They have helped many patients with TMJ disorders resolve their jaw pain from the source. It can be very difficult to diagnose TMD due to the large range of potential causes and symptoms. However, by thoroughly evaluating your dental structures and bite pattern, our dental team can offer you a treatment plan tailored specifically for you and your needs.
We often recommend oral appliance therapy if you have a history of teeth grinding. Oral appliance therapy is when we provide an oral appliance, similar to a mouthguard, that will reposition the jaw and prevent teeth grinding or clenching. You will wear the appliance while you sleep to relieve the pressure these actions may be placing on your jaw joints.
An oral appliance for TMD is custom-made for your soft tissues. It will fit precisely in your mouth, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit.
We often suggest one of our tooth replacement options for patients with missing teeth to help balance out a bite pattern. Replacing missing teeth can relieve any pressure caused by your remaining teeth, making up for the lost work of the missing tooth. Replacing your missing teeth with dental implants, a denture, or a dental bridge is vital to your oral health and jaw stability.
For patients with crooked teeth, we can recommend orthodontic treatment. We offer Invisalign, a clear aligner teeth straightening system that will fix crooked teeth. This orthodontic treatment can align your teeth for improved functionality. An even bite lessens the strain on your facial muscles when talking or chewing.
At-Home TMJ Treatment
In addition to dental care, lifestyle changes and at-home care are beneficial if you have TMD. If you have a TMJ flare-up, use warm compression. Heating pads or heat wraps relax the muscles to reduce pain and discomfort. Use heat on your jaw for fifteen minutes, three to four times daily.
Physical therapy is also effective if stress contributes to TMD. A tense back, shoulders, neck, and jaw muscles can worsen TMJ symptoms. A physical therapist can teach you how to move and relax these muscles and reduce tension. Physical therapists offer heat therapy, massages, and exercises to relax muscles in the upper body.
Small changes like jaw position can lessen jaw pain and reduce teeth clenching and grinding. To ensure your jaw is at rest, lightly place your tongue on the roof of your mouth behind your front teeth. You will notice that your teeth are apart slightly. This position reduces jaw tension and general tension in the lower face.
Schedule an Appointment for TMJ Treatment in Gaithersburg, MD
Do you think you are suffering from a TMJ disorder? Schedule an appointment with our experienced restorative dentists at TotallySmiles. Your dentist will conduct a thorough exam of your jaw, mouth, and teeth to aid in diagnosing your condition. If you have TMJ disorder, we can find the right treatment for you to help you find relief from you TMJ symptoms. We look forward to seeing you soon and helping you resolve your jaw pain and other associated symptoms.