Botox

What is a temporomandibular joint (TMJ)?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull, functioning like a sliding hinge to allow movement for talking, chewing, and yawning. This joint is located on both sides of your head in front of your ears. It combines a hinge action with sliding motions facilitated by a disc that cushions the joint. 

When the joint becomes problematic, you can develop temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD), often referred to simply as "TMJ."

What causes TMJ?

TMJ disorders can result from various factors, including:

• Injury or trauma: direct impact to your jaw or joint can cause misalignment or inflammation
• Teeth grinding (bruxism): habitual clenching or grinding can strain your joint
• Arthritis: osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can affect your joint’s structure
• Dislocated disc: the cushioning disc in your joint can slip out of place
• Stress: tension in your jaw muscles can exacerbate TMJ issues
• Poor posture: posture problems, particularly in your neck and shoulders, can contribute to joint dysfunction

Sometimes, the exact cause of TMJ disorders isn’t clear, as multiple factors may contribute.

What are the signs of TMJ?

Common signs and symptoms of TMJ include:

• Jaw pain or tenderness
• Difficulty or pain while chewing
• Clicking, snapping, or grating sounds when moving your jaw
• Locking of your jaw, making it difficult to open or close
• Headaches or earaches
• Facial pain
• Swelling near your jaw or cheeks

Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, affecting daily activities.

How is TMJ treated?

The Center for High Tech Dentistry can recommend a variety of treatments for TMJ depending on the severity, such as:

Lifestyle changes

You may be encouraged to avoid hard foods, practice stress management, and improve your posture to aid in supporting your TMJ health.

Medications

Medications like over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, or muscle relaxants can calm inflammation and pain.

Physical therapy

Stretching and strengthening exercises can improve joint mobility, which the team can demonstrate for you and provide guidance.

Dental appliances

You may need a nightguard or splint to prevent grinding and align your jaw.

Injections

The team may recommend corticosteroids or Botox® to reduce inflammation or relieve tension.

Surgery

Reserved for severe cases, your dental professional may recommend a surgical procedure to repair or replace your joint.

If you have symptoms of TMJ disorders, there’s no need to continue to suffer. Call or book an appointment online today.