The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect the lower jawbone to the skull. Patients who have injured the TMJ or have stress on these joints can experience painful and uncomfortable symptoms. Additionally, patients with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) can wear down their natural tooth enamel and the muscles in their jaw joints.
At Gettysburg Smiles, Dr. Rita Tempel offers restorative care for patients through TMJ treatment in her Gettysburg, PA office. She can treat TMD symptoms for healthier teeth, gums, and jaw joints.
TMD Symptoms
Common signs of TMJ disorders include:
- Jaw pain
- Pain in the chewing muscles
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty or pain eating hard or crunchy foods
- Earaches and ear pain
- Muscle spasms
Contact our dental office if you have noticed any changes in the comfort of your teeth and jaw. TMD symptoms can be subtle at first, but they can damage the natural tooth enamel over time. We can also find signs of TMD at regular visits, so continue to make biannual appointments.
Treat TMJ Disorders in Gettysburg, PA
Oral appliances, physical therapy, and a soft diet can help patients with TMD. Nightguards are oral appliances that cover the upper or lower tooth arch. Patients who clench or grind their teeth during sleep benefit from wearing a custom nightguard. Dr. Tempel can create custom nightguards using dental impressions. The nightguards are made of hard acrylic that inhibits tooth grinding. The nightguard also relieves pressure on the jaw joints and muscles to minimize wear.
Patients can also benefit from physical therapy, where they can learn exercises to relax their face and jaw. Additionally, a soft diet can break the jaw from hard or crunchy foods. Eating these foods can lead to pain for patients with TMD. Patients can eat softer foods during treatment and gradually introduce harder foods as they heal their TMJ.
TMJ Causes
There are many different causes of TMJ. Often, problems are caused by a combination of multiple things. One of the most common causes is teeth grinding. This usually occurs subconsciously or overnight while you’re sleeping. It puts a lot of pressure on the jaw joint, breaking it down and inflaming it over time. It wears down your teeth and causes problems with jaw function.
Stress is connected to teeth grinding. If you’re experiencing stress, teeth clenching or grinding becomes more common. Stress can also strain the muscles around the TMJ, which help it move smoothly. It can cause TMJ or give you more flare-ups.
If you experience trauma to the jaw joint, it can cause it to fall out of alignment. Things like a dislocated jaw or a blow to the face can cause this. The balance of the jaw joint is delicate, and even a small injury can impact how your jaw functions.
When your bite is misaligned, the jaw doesn’t track properly, and the muscles and joints have to work harder to compensate. This increased strain breaks down the jaw joint over time.
Joint conditions like arthritis can impact every joint throughout your body. These conditions cause inflammation and the cartilage that helps your joint move smoothly to break down. The cushion of the cartilage eroding can make moving the jaw difficult and cause stiffness or pain.
TMJ Treatment FAQs
TMJ can have a debilitating effect on your oral health. Learn more by reading the answers to these frequently asked questions.
Can TMJ disorders be cured?
While TMJ disorder can often be managed effectively, a complete cure may not always be possible. Many people experience significant relief through non-invasive treatments like splints, physical therapy, and stress management. Persistent cases may require more advanced interventions.
Is TMJ treatment painful?
Most TMJ treatments, such as splints, exercises, or medications, are non-invasive and relatively painless. Some patients may experience mild discomfort during physical therapy or when adjusting to a splint. However, these sensations usually subside as the jaw adapts to the treatment.
How long does it take to treat TMJ disorder?
The duration of TMJ treatment varies based on the severity of the condition. Some patients find relief within weeks through simple interventions, while others may need several months of therapy, splint use, or ongoing care to manage symptoms effectively.
What happens if TMJ disorder is left untreated?
Untreated TMJ disorder can lead to chronic pain, jaw locking, difficulty chewing, and headaches. It can also cause further wear on the teeth and contribute to sleep disturbances. Early treatment helps prevent these complications and improves quality of life.
Does stress contribute to TMJ disorder, and how is it managed?
Yes, stress can exacerbate TMJ disorder by causing jaw clenching and muscle tension. Stress management techniques such as relaxation exercises, meditation, and counseling can be effective. Combining these with physical treatments can provide better symptom control.
How often should I see a dentist for TMJ disorders?
The frequency of dental visits depends on the severity of the TMJ disorder. Initially, regular check-ups may be needed every few weeks to monitor progress. Once symptoms are under control, visits can be reduced to a few times yearly for ongoing maintenance.
Treat TMD Today
Do you often find yourself clenching your jaw? Are morning headaches a frequent problem? Request a dental appointment with Dr. Tempel online or call Gettysburg Smiles at (717) 853-1552. Let us know if you have questions about TMD, and we will answer them at your next visit.