TMJ/TMD Treatment

Your temporomandibular joint, or TMJ is it’s more commonly known, is a complex sliding hinge joint that connects your jaw to your skull on both sides.

 

Your TMJ is what enables you to move your jaw side to side and up and down so that you can talk, chew, yawn, etc. However, sometimes temporomandibular disorders or TMD, which are problems with your jaw and the muscles in your face that control it, may occur.

 

TMD Causes

There are a number of issues that can cause TMD. The most common cause is subconscious clenching or grinding of your teeth, which normally occurs while you sleep or are under a lot of stress.

 

Some other causes of TMD can include:

- Arthritis in the joint

- Jaw joint disc out of place

- Swelling inside the joint

- Poor posture muscle strain

- Joint inflammation or strain

 

TMD Symptoms

Common symptoms of TMD include:

- Jaw pain

- Clicking jaw joint

- Jaw stiffness

- Stuck jaw, open or closed

- Clenching or grinding teeth

- Pain in cheeks and temples

 

TMD Treatment

Currently, 1 in 8 American adults are affected by TMD. And this number may be low due to undiagnosed cases. Luckily, it can be treated. Here at Family & Implant Dentistry of Stuart, our experienced dentists can recommend a conservative treatment plan based on your individual needs. We can help relieve TMD pain, reduce stiffness, and increase function. Contact us to schedule your consultation today.

 

• Procedures

TMJ Arthroscopy

- Small tube (cannula) incorporated into the jaw joint

- Arthroscope (camera) used to perform surgery to alleviate TMD

 

Arthrocentesis

- Miniature needles inserted into the jaw joint

- Fluid improves jaw inflammation

- Minimally invasive procedure

 

Injection

- Corticosteroid or Botox injections relieves jaw inflammation

 

Open-Joint Surgery

- Aids operational jaw issues

- Repairs the jaw joint

 

• Therapy

Physical Therapy

- Jaw exercises strengthen the jaw joint and muscles

 

Oral Splints

- Mouth guard assists in TMD pain relief and jaw support

 

• Medication

Pain relievers or anti-inflammatory may be prescribed for TMD relief. Please, consult with your doctor to discuss which method is right for you.