TMJ Treatment

Jaw pain or headaches? It could be TMJ disorder.

Do you experience jaw pain, difficulty chewing, or chronic headaches? You may be suffering from Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder. This common condition affects the joint that connects your jaw to your skull and can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms.

We understand the frustration and discomfort TMJ can cause. Our team at Drs. Nicolas & Asp Centers is dedicated to providing comprehensive and personalized treatment plans to help you find relief.

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What is TMJ Disorder (TMD)?

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) is a general term used to describe a group of conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint and its supporting muscles and ligaments that control jaw movement. Located on both sides of your face, just in front of your ears, the TMJs connect your lower jawbone to your skull and facilitate movements like chewing, speaking, yawning, and eating. When your TMJs are injured or impaired, TMD can occur, leading to pain and discomfort.

Some common symptoms of TMJ disorder include:

Jaw pain and tenderness
Limited jaw movement
Difficulty chewing
Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw
Facial pain
Headaches
Earaches
Shoulder pain
Neck pain

Causes of TMJ disorder can vary but may include

Clenching or grinding teeth (bruxism)

This habitual action, often done unconsciously, can put excessive strain on the TMJ and surrounding muscles. It's frequently associated with stress, anxiety, or sleep disturbances.

Jaw injury

Trauma to the jaw, such as a blow to the face or a dislocated jaw, can lead to TMJ dysfunction. This can cause inflammation, misalignment, and pain in the joint.

Arthritis

Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the TMJ, causing joint inflammation, pain, and stiffness. These conditions are more common in older individuals.

Stress

Stress can contribute to TMJ disorder by causing muscle tension and clenching of the jaw. Chronic stress can exacerbate symptoms and make it difficult to manage pain.

Misalignment of the jaw

When your teeth don't fit together properly, it can put strain on the TMJ and surrounding muscles. This can lead to pain, discomfort, and difficulty chewing.

Certain medical conditions

Some underlying medical conditions, such as fibromyalgia and sleep apnea can contribute to TMJ disorder or exacerbate its symptoms.

TMJ Disorder Management at Drs. Nicolas & Asp Centers

We believe in a holistic approach to TMJ treatment. Our goal is to address the underlying cause of your TMJ disorder and alleviate your symptoms. We'll begin with the simplest and most conservative treatment for your TMJ. Many cases can be successfully managed without surgery. If needed, we'll gradually explore other approaches until we find the best solution for you.

Lifestyle modifications

Stress management techniques, relaxation exercises, applying heat or ice packs, avoiding chewy or hard foods

Physical therapy

Exercises to improve jaw mobility and strengthen supporting muscles

Medication

Over-the-counter pain relievers, muscle relaxants, or anti-inflammatory medications

Occlusal splint

This is a custom-made mouthguard designed to stabilize your jaw, relax tense muscles, and relieve TMJ-related pain.

Orthodontic treatment

In some cases, misaligned teeth can contribute to TMJ dysfunction. Orthodontic treatment can help correct bite problems and alleviate TMJ symptoms.

Surgery

Surgery is typically considered a last resort for severe cases of TMJ disorder that do not respond to other treatments. Depending on the diagnosis, your dentist may recommend arthrocentesis, open-joint surgery, or arthroscopy.

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