The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your lower jaw to your skull and plays an important role in speaking, chewing, and yawning. Because this joint is so complex, a variety of issues can develop when it is not functioning properly.
Due to the nuanced nature of TMJ disorder diagnosis and treatment, we advise you to put your care in the hands of a skilled oral healthcare provider – like our Naperville cosmetic dentist, David R. Newkirk, DDS. If you believe you are suffering from TMJ disorder, Dr. Newkirk will be happy to put together a customized treatment plan for your needs.
- What Is TMJ Disorder?
- Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
- TMJ Disorder Treatment Options
- TMJ Disorder Treatment Cost
What Is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder refers to a group of conditions that affect the temporomandibular joint. When this joint, or the surrounding muscles and ligaments, become strained, injured, or inflamed, it can lead to pain, difficulty moving the jaw, and other disruptive symptoms.
TMJ problems may develop from a variety of causes, including:
- Trauma to the joint – such as a blow to the jaw, car accident, or complications from wisdom tooth extraction
- Improper bite alignment – when the teeth and jaws don’t fit together correctly
- Arthritis – which can wear down the joint surfaces over time
- Muscle stress or spasm – often linked to teeth grinding (bruxism) or jaw clenching
- Joint disk or ligament injury – which can cause the disk to slip out of place or become damaged
What Are the Symptoms of TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder can cause a wide range of symptoms, which may affect not only your jaw but also surrounding areas of your head, face, and neck. Common signs include:
- Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw
- Headaches, migraines, or neck pain
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Difficulty opening the mouth wide (such as when eating or yawning)
- Inability to fully close the mouth
- Facial pain or muscle stiffness, especially in the morning
- Jaw pain or soreness when clenching your teeth
- Stress-related clenching or grinding
- Nighttime teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Excessive or uneven tooth wear
- Bite changes, such as teeth that no longer line up correctly or meet differently from time to time
- Difficulty biting or chewing food, particularly with the front teeth
How Is TMJ Disorder Treated?
There are several treatment options available for TMJ disorder, and the right approach depends on the cause and severity of your condition. The first step is a thorough evaluation by Dr. Newkirk to determine the source of the problem. Because the temporomandibular joint is complex, no single treatment works for every patient; sometimes a combination of therapies is necessary to achieve lasting relief.
The initial goal of treatment is to relieve pain and inflammation. This may be accomplished with pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, or muscle relaxants. In some cases, steroids can be injected directly into the joint, or a temporary appliance may be used to help guide your bite and reduce discomfort.
Self-Treatment and Lifestyle Modifications
Dr. Newkirk may recommend conservative self-care strategies to ease TMJ discomfort, such as:
- Resting the jaw and avoiding excessive chewing
- Keeping your teeth apart when not eating or swallowing
- Eating soft foods to reduce stress on the joint
- Applying heat or cold packs for pain relief
- Performing gentle jaw exercises (if appropriate)
- Practicing good posture
- Using stress management techniques, such as biofeedback or physical therapy
These approaches can help relax the jaw muscles, reduce strain, and prevent aggravation of symptoms.
Oral Appliances
Custom-made appliances can play an important role in treating TMJ disorder:
- Splints or nightguards – Clear plastic devices worn over the upper or lower teeth that prevent clenching and grinding, reduce muscle tension, protect the teeth from wear, and safeguard the joint surfaces.
- Anterior positioning appliances – Designed to gently move the jaw forward, relieve pressure on certain areas of the joint, and in some cases help reposition the disk. Depending on your needs, this appliance may be worn full-time or only at night.
Additional Options
In some cases, bite adjustments (equilibration) or full-mouth reconstruction may be recommended to improve the way your teeth fit together and reduce stress on the TMJ. Meanwhile, if the jaw can’t open, is dislocated, has severe degeneration, or the patient has undergone appliance treatment unsuccessfully, surgery may be required; however, keep in mind that Dr. Newkirk will only advise TMJ surgery as a last resort.
How Much Does TMJ Disorder Treatment Cost?
Understanding the cost of TMJ disorder treatment can be challenging, as it varies widely depending on the specific diagnosis, treatment approach, and your geographic location. According to The TMJ Association, there is no standard pricing for TMJ treatment due to these factors.*
While TMJ treatment is sometimes covered by insurance, this will depend on the specifics of your plan. Our friendly office staff will gladly help you understand your benefits if you wish. In addition, to make dental financing as stress-free as possible, we accept most insurances and all major credit cards.
Dr. Newkirk is thoroughly trained in diagnosing and treating TMJ problems and other advanced dentistry concerns. To learn more about TMJ treatment or schedule your consultation, we welcome you to contact us today!