TMJ
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders are a family of problems related to your jaw joint. If you have had symptoms like pain or a “clicking” sound, you’ll be glad to know that these problems are more easily diagnosed and treated than they were in the past. These symptoms occur when the joints of the jaw and the chewing muscles do not work together correctly. TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which is the name for each joint (right and left) that connects your jaw to your skull. Since some types of TMJ problems can lead to more serious conditions, early detection and treatment are important.
No one treatment can resolve TMJ disorders completely and treatment takes time to become effective. Dr. Kim, Dr. Wahan, Dr. Brady and Dr. Altmann can help you have a healthier, more comfortable jaw.
See the TMJ process.
Trouble with your jaw?
TMJ disorders develop for many reasons. You might clench or grind your teeth, tightening your jaw muscles and stressing your TM joint. You may have a damaged jaw joint due to injury or disease. Injuries and arthritis can damage the joint directly or stretch or tear the muscle ligaments. As a result, the disk, which is made of cartilage and functions as the “cushion” of the jaw joint, can slip out of position. Whatever the cause, the results may include a misaligned bite, pain, clicking, or grating noise when you open your mouth, or trouble opening your mouth wide.
Do You Have a TMJ Disorder?
- Are you aware of grinding or clenching your teeth?
- Do you wake up with sore, stiff muscles around your jaws?
- Do you have frequent headaches or neck aches?
- Does the pain get worse when you clench your teeth?
- Does stress make your clenching and pain worse?
- Does your jaw click, pop, grate, catch, or lock when you open your mouth?
- Is it difficult or painful to open your mouth, eat, or yawn?
- Have you ever injured your neck, head, or jaws?
- Have you had problems (such as arthritis) with other joints?
- Do you have teeth that no longer touch when you bite?
- Do your teeth meet differently from time to time?
- Is it hard to use your front teeth to bite or tear food?
- Are your teeth sensitive, loose, broken or worn?
The more times you answered “yes”, the more likely it is that you have a TMJ disorder. Understanding TMJ disorders will also help you understand how they are treated.
TMJ Treatment
There are various treatment options for TMJ that Drs. Kim, Wahan, Brady and Altmann can utilize to improve the harmony and function of your jaw. Once an evaluation confirms a diagnosis of TMJ disorder, Drs. Kim, Wahan, Brady or Altmann will determine the proper course of treatment. It is important to note that treatment always works best with a team approach of self-care combined with professional care.
The initial goals are to relieve the muscle spasms and joint pain. This is usually accomplished with a pain reliever, anti-inflammatory, or muscle relaxant. Steroids can be injected directly into the joints to reduce pain and inflammation. Self-care treatments can often be effective as well and include:
- Resting your jaw
- Keeping your teeth apart when you are not swallowing or eating
- Eating soft foods
- Applying ice and heat
- Exercising your jaw
- Practicing good posture
Stress management techniques such as biofeedback or physical therapy may also be recommended, as well as a temporary, clear plastic appliance known as a splint. A splint (or nightguard) fits over your top or bottom teeth and helps keep your teeth apart, thereby relaxing the muscles and reducing pain. There are different types of appliances used for different purposes. A nightguard helps you stop clenching or grinding your teeth and reduces muscle tension at night. It also helps to protect the cartilage and joint surfaces. An anterior positioning appliance moves your jaw forward, relieves pressure on parts of your jaw, and aids in disk repositioning. It may be worn 24 hours/day to help your jaw heal. An orthotic stabilization appliance is worn 24 hours/day, or just at night, to move your jaw into proper position. Appliances also help protect tooth wear.
What about bite correction or surgery?
If your TMJ disorder has caused problems with how your teeth fit together you may need treatment such as bite adjustment (equilibration), orthodontics with or without jaw reconstruction, or restorative dental work. Surgical options, such as arthroscopy and open joint repair restructuring, are sometimes needed, but are reserved for severe cases. Drs. Kim, Wahan, Brady and Altmann do not consider TMJ surgery unless the jaw can’t open, is dislocated and non-reducible, has severe degeneration, or the patient has undergone appliance treatment unsuccessfully.
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What Our Patients’ Say
FAQs
How do I know if my jaw pain is TMJ or something else?
Jaw pain can come from several sources, but TMJ issues often show up with symptoms like jaw clicking, tightness near the ears, headaches, or discomfort when chewing or opening wide. If the pain feels connected to jaw movement or worsens when talking or eating, it’s worth having it evaluated by a specialist who treats TMJ disorders.
Can TMJ cause headaches or ear pain?
Yes, many people with TMJ problems notice headaches, pressure around the temples, or ear-related discomfort. The jaw joint sits close to the ear and shares muscles and nerves with the head and neck, so irritation in the joint can create symptoms that feel unrelated at first.
What usually causes TMJ problems?
TMJ issues can develop for different reasons. Common factors include teeth grinding or clenching, jaw misalignment, arthritis in the joint, past facial trauma, or muscle strain. In some cases, stress can also play a role by increasing jaw tension.
How long does TMJ treatment usually take?
Treatment length varies depending on the cause and severity of the problem. Some patients feel improvement within weeks, while others need ongoing care over several months. A personalized evaluation helps set realistic expectations from the start.
Can bite problems make TMJ symptoms worse?
Yes, an uneven bite or misalignment can place extra pressure on the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. In certain cases, correcting bite issues can reduce strain on the TMJ and improve comfort during everyday activities like chewing and speaking.
Is TMJ treatment painful?
Most TMJ treatments are designed to relieve pain, not cause it. Non-surgical approaches are generally gentle and focused on easing muscle tension and joint stress. If additional procedures are ever needed, your care team will explain what to expect ahead of time.