TMJ Treatment. Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)
TMD Disorder also known as, Temporomandibular Disorder, causes chronic facial and neck pain as well as severe headaches. The temporomandibular joints, also known as TMJ, connect the lower jawbone to the skull. Pain in around these joints can restrict movement and can be unpleasant.
TMJ Treatment
TMJ disorders can cause discomfort throughout a person’s jaw area. At Broadlands Orthodontics & American Braces & Smile Center, our orthodontist Dr. Hessamfar is specially trained to provide patients with TMJ treatment and diagnosis. Patients throughout the Washington DC Metropolitan area can visit his two locations at Ashburn VA and Woodbridge VA for their TMJ treatment.
Symptoms of TMD include:
- Tenderness or pain in jaw area
- Pain, ringing, or stuffiness in the ears
- Frequent headaches or neck pain
- Clicking or popping sound in the jaw
- Muscle spasms in the jaw
- A change in the alignment of top and bottom teeth
- Locked jaw
- Limited opening of the mouth
Not All Jaw Pain Is Associated With TMD
It is important to see a qualified dentist for a diagnosis of TMD. However, not all jaw pain is associated with TMD. There are many preventative steps to avoid TMD.
- Relaxed face: “Lips together, teeth apart”
- Avoid grinding of teeth
- Avoid gum chewing
- Chew food evenly on both sides of your mouth
- Do not sit with chin resting on hands
- Practice good posture: keep your head up, back straight, and shoulders squared
What are TMJ Disorders?
TMJ disorders affect the temporomandibular joint which acts as a hinge that connects the jawbone to to the skull. This joint is the site of the discomfort felt with TMJ disorders as well as the muscles which control the joint. The cause of a person’s TMJ pain is usually hard to determine because a variety of issues including arthritis, a jaw injury, or teeth clenching and grinding can all contribute to it.
Traditionally, the disorders are treated with pain medications and at-home care. However, surgery may be necessary to treat more severe cases.
What Symptoms are Associated with TMJ Issues?
Typically, symptoms and signs of an issue with the temporomandibular joint include:
- Pain when chewing or difficulty chewing
- Aching pain in the face and head
- Pain in or around the ear
- Tenderness or pain in jaw area
- Locking of the hinge/hinges which causes difficultly when opening and closing mouth
A clicking noise or grating feeling when opening and closing the mouth is also a symptom of a TMJ issue. Medical attention is commonly required when the pain does not go away. A person should consult a doctor right away if it becomes very difficult to move the joint, affecting the person’s ability to open and close his or her mouth.
What TMJ Treatments are Used for a TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorders can be treated with a wide variety of methods. In cases where the discomfort is continuing, physical therapy and pain relieving medicine are usually needed. Traditionally, pain relievers, muscle relaxants, and sedatives are employed to assist a patient with pain management.
Orthotic appliance and night guards in addition to at-home care techniques can also help with preventing any damages caused by grinding or clenching which occurs while during sleep. In the most severe of cases, surgery is used as well as pain medication injections which are delivered straight into the joint itself. Typically, surgery is provided for people whose jaw is structurally problematic.
