TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint)
Comprehensive Treatment of TMJ Disorder in Charles Town, WV
TMJ disorders can cause significant pain and stress that affects every aspect of your life. If you are dealing with jaw pain, stiffness, headaches, muscle tension and fatigue, and other symptoms, a dentist can help. At Charles Town Smiles, our dentists and dental specialists understand the discomfort caused by TMJ conditions. We will work hard to determine the underlying cause of your condition and help you find solutions that offer lasting relief. Call to schedule a consultation to explore treatment options for TMJ disorder in Charles Town, WV.
What Is TMJ Disorder?
The term “TMJ disorder” can be used to refer to a few things. Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a synovial joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull. You have two joints located on each side of your head just in front of your ears. The TMJ is made up of four key structures: the condylar process, articular disc, joint capsule, and ligaments. Any one of these can become stressed, damaged, or injured. TMJ disorders can be used to describe a group of conditions that affect the TMJ. This includes temporomandibular joint dysfunction, temporomandibular joint disease, and other disc, joint, and muscle disorders.
Recognizing TMJ Symptoms
TMJ disorders can cause a wide range of symptoms that range in duration and severity. While some people don’t have agonizing symptoms, others have symptoms that keep them from sleeping, eating, and enjoying their hobbies. Some common symptoms are:
- Jaw pain or tenderness around the location of the joint
- Ear pain
- Trouble chewing or speaking
- Jaw muscle fatigue or weakness
- Achiness in the jaw, neck, or upper shoulders
- Tension headaches
- Eye strain and pain
- Tooth pain
- Irritability
- Trouble sleeping
- A clicking or popping noise when opening your mouth, chewing, or clenching your jaw
- A grating sensation while chewing
- The feeling that you can’t fully open your mouth
- Stiffness or changes to the range of motion of your jaw joints
Why Addressing TMJ Pain Quickly Is Crucial
TMJ symptoms can become chronic if they are not addressed. TMJ can also be caused by an underlying condition that requires attention, such as grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw at night, sleep apnea, chronic stress, arthritis, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, or a jaw injury. Seeking a timely diagnosis and early intervention can limit your discomfort and help you find solutions before you develop complications.
Exploring Your Options for TMJ Treatment
Temporomandibular joint disorder treatment typically consists of a combination of therapies. A general dentist can do a comprehensive exam and evaluate your symptoms, history, and lifestyle to determine the root cause of your condition and any underlying contributing factors. They can then design a treatment plan that includes one or more of these options:
- Custom mouth guards or splints
- Physical therapy
- Orthodontic treatment
- Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain relievers
- Diet and lifestyle changes
- Sleep apnea treatment or changes to your sleep habits and position
- Stress management
- Acupuncture
- Botox injections
Call to Schedule a Consultation for TMJ Treatment
If you have persistent or worsening pain in your teeth, jaw, or facial muscles, call now or contact us online to schedule a consultation for TMJ treatment in Charles Town, WV. Our compassionate team at Charles Town Smiles will fit you in for an exam, where we will go over your medical history and family health history, discuss your habits and lifestyle, and evaluate your symptoms. We will then do a dental exam and take x-rays to confirm a diagnosis of TMJ and determine potential causes. We can then design a personal TMJ treatment plan that addresses the root cause of your condition and offers lasting relief.
FAQs About TMJ
TMJ disorder or TMD is a group of conditions that includes TMJ dysfunction. TMJ dysfunction is a condition that affects the TMJ and the muscles surrounding your jaw
There are many potential causes of TMD, including muscle strain and overuse, prolonged clenching and grinding of the teeth, bruxism, jaw or facial trauma, arthritis, improper bite alignment, structural abnormalities of the jaw or jaw joint, stress and anxiety, hormonal changes, and taking certain medications.
Yes. Certain lifestyle habits, medications, and medical conditions can increase your risk of developing TMD, including: jaw injuries, arthritis, facial and jaw deformities, misaligned bite, connective tissue disease, teeth grinding or clenching, chewing gum or other hard items, stress, poor posture, genetics, and side effects from certain medications, illnesses, and dental procedures.
You may be able to prevent TMJ or make lifestyle changes that will help manage the symptoms if you have already been diagnosed. We recommend that you limit gum chewing and avoid eating or chewing on hard, crunchy, or chewy foods. Don’t open packages with your teeth. Wear a mouthguard at night if recommended. Practice stress management techniques. Practice proper posture. Try to get enough sleep. Visit us every six months for a dental check-up.