TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction)

Understanding Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ)

Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome, or TMJ, is a common condition affecting many people. TMJ symptoms include severe headaches, varying degrees of jaw pain, teeth grinding, and intermittent ringing in the ears.

Many sufferers don’t realize that these problems often stem from an issue that a dentist can effectively treat.

How TMJ Affects You

TMJ symptoms can be debilitating and interfere with daily life. At Mountaineer Dental and Sleep Center, your comfort and well-being are our priority. Pain relief is usually addressed first, often with anti-inflammatory medications.

Our dentists can test, diagnose, and develop a treatment plan to address the underlying causes of your TMJ disorder.

Why Treat TMJ?

TMJ symptoms tend to worsen during periods of prolonged or unexpected stress and can cause neck pain and dizziness.

The most common cause of TMJ is misalignment of the teeth, often called a “bad bite.” The good news is that dentists can often realign or adjust teeth without painful or costly surgery. This realignment can help stop headaches, jaw pain, and dizziness.

Grinding of teeth, especially at night, is a common TMJ symptom. This can wear down teeth structure and lead to severe dental problems. Untreated TMJ is a major cause of eroded jawbones and loose teeth.

If you have TMJ symptoms, it’s important to visit your dentist for an accurate diagnosis.

What Does TMJ Treatment Involve?

TMJ may result from various causes. The most common is traumatic occlusion (“bad bite”), but injury to the meniscus cartilage is another possibility.

We start with a thorough exam of your jaw, bite, X-rays, and medical history to accurately diagnose and recommend treatment.

Possible treatments include:

• Bite Guards: Custom-made to prevent teeth grinding at night, often after sleep apnea screening
• Bite Relationship Analysis: To understand how your teeth come together
• Relaxation Techniques: To reduce the effects of stress

The most effective treatment is called equilibration, which changes the shape of the teeth to eliminate the bad bite. This can relieve TMJ symptoms and improve the appearance of your teeth.

Equilibration adjusts how your upper and lower teeth fit together and may involve new restorations or reshaping natural teeth. It is a painless procedure performed successfully by our team many times.

Our dentists are happy to discuss your symptoms and answer any questions about treatment options.

Experiencing TMJ Symptoms?

If you are dealing with jaw pain, headaches, or any symptoms of TMJ, contact our office today to schedule an appointment. We’re here to help you find relief and restore your comfort.

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