The Temporomandibular joint, also known as your jaw joint or TMJ, is one of the most complex joints in the body, as it is controlled by a structure of muscles, ligaments, and soft tissue. The temporomandibular joints along with your jaw muscles make it possible for you to open and close your mouth. The human jaw is very powerful, able to exert anywhere from 170 to 275 pounds of pressure! When you experience jaw pain or movement, it may not be properly aligned.
These joints are located on each side of your head, allowing a person to speak, chew, and swallow. In each TMJ there are disc cushions that enable the low jaw (mandible) to move forward, backwards, and side-to-side. Problems preventing the jaw and its structure of muscles, ligaments, and tissue from working properly, is a painful condition called TMJ disorder.
Did you know that approximately 10 million Americans are living with some level of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain? If you’re part of that 10 million, you may be aware that managing TMJ jaw pain can be difficult. However, since symptoms can be different with everyone, those who have pain in the jaw joint or muscles, do not always associate this pain as being a serious problem. Causes of TMJ may include: arthritis, dislocation, tooth and jaw alignment, stress and grinding your teeth, and further injury.
Normally, those without TMJ have balanced temporomandibular joints. However, for those with TMJ the jaw joints often misalign, pop or lock, muscles cramp or spasm, and tissue damage and nerve pain can occur if left untreated by a dentist.
When the jaw pain, popping and locking sounds, and muscle spasms have become too much and too painful, you will realize it is finally time to make an appointment with your dentist, who specializes in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders.
Your specialist will get a close look at your jaw, head and neck area, looking mostly at the alignment and movements of your jaw bone to see how your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) functions and what treatments may be effective for reducing your TMJ pain.
Other tests in the examinations often include impressions of your teeth, X-rays and/or imaging of your jaw to give the specialist another look at your temporomandibular joint. During your appointment make sure to address all your concerns and ask as many questions as possible. Doing so will help your dentist in coming to an accurate diagnosis, in order to create a proper treatment plan.
If the diagnosis comes back as TMJ Disorder, your dentist may recommend fixing your uneven bite by adjusting or reshaping some teeth. Orthodontic treatment may also be recommended.
Based on your TMJ diagnosis and its severity, the dentist may suggest the following treatments:
- Strengthening your jaw muscles with a series of exercises or devices
- Medications, for example, muscle relaxants, pain killers, anti-anxiety drugs or anti-inflammatory medications
- A night guard to decrease teeth grinding or clenching of the jaw
To learn more about TMJ and how a dentist can help, call Hagerman Dental Care at (651) 646-2392 or use our online form to request an appointment.