Dental Solutions: How To Treat TMJ Disorders

Characterized by pain and dysfunction of the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, millions are afflicted by temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders worldwide. 

Those with TMJ disorders frequently experience symptoms such as jaw pain, stiffness, clicking or popping noises, headaches, and difficulty chewing or opening their mouth fully.  

While TMJ disorders can be debilitating, industry insiders affirm that there are effective treatments available to provide long-term relief and even permanent resolution of symptoms.

Understanding TMJ Disorders

Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD or TMJ) are debilitating health conditions that affect many bodily systems, including circulation, digestion, hormones, glands, immunity, muscles, nerves, reproduction, breathing, and bones. As a complex, understudied, and poorly understood condition, TMJ is a painful disease that limits jaw movement and causes pain in the joints, surrounding tissues, and bones. 

Research indicates that a significant amount of TMJ patients experience additional health issues such as allergies, chronic fatigue syndrome, headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, endometriosis, fibromyalgia, urinary problems like interstitial cystitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), neck and lower back pain, sleep disturbances, and vulvodynia, among others. 

According to experts, there is often a link between TMJ and these other health issues, with many of them being more common in women.  

On each side of your jaw, just below your ears are your temporomandibular joints (TMJ), which connects your lower jaw to your skull. Most are surprised to learn that TMJs are among the more complex joints in the body. 

The temporomandibular joints are extremely important for proper chewing, swallowing, and talking. When the structures (muscles, ligaments, disk, jaw bone, temporal bone) of the TMJ are not aligned and they don’t move smoothly together, it is called Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) and several problems can develop.”

What Causes TMJ  Disorders?

In many cases, the underlying cause of  TMJ  disorders  is unclear. Excessive pressure or strain on the jaw joints and muscles that control chewing, swallowing, and speech is a common cause of TMJ disorders, possibly caused by bruxism (also known as teeth grinding).

Bruxism is the involuntary, habitual clenching or grinding of the teeth, usually while one is asleep or completely unaware of the action. Too much stress is a major cause of bruxism, as some individuals tend to grind their teeth more than others.

He further added that other factors may also cause TMJ, which include structural abnormalities, as well as  direct trauma to the jaw, the head, or the neck. As for arthritis, those in the advanced stages may also lead to being the cause for a TMJ disorder.  

What Are The Ways to Treat TMJ Disorders?

Conservative treatments for TMJ include lifestyle modifications such as stress management, avoiding hard or chewy foods, and relaxing exercises. TMJ  disorder insiders share different methods for addressing the disease,  as well as tips on how manage the pain and discomfort:

Pain Relief
Over-the-counter pain relievers, hot or cold compresses, and gentle jaw exercises can
help manage the pain and inflammation caused by TMJ disorder.   

Physical Therapy
A therapist’s targeted exercises and stretches can improve jaw mobility, muscle strength, and temporomandibular joint alignment.  Dental treatments include occlusal splints or
mouthguards, which reduce jaw muscle tension and protect teeth from bruxism.   

Bite Adjustment 
If malocclusion (teeth misalignment, which can lead to an incorrect bite) contributes to
TMJ disorder, orthodontic treatments or dental restorations such as crowns or veneers
may be recommended to achieve proper bite alignment.    

Dental Reconstruction: 
In severe cases of TMJ disorder, surgical procedures such as arthrocentesis (flushing 
the joint), arthroscopy, or open-joint surgery may be required to repair or replace
damaged joint structures. 

How Luck Dental Care’s Procedures Help Treat TMJ

Dental procedures play a crucial role in the comprehensive management and potential cure of TMJ disorder,  addressing the underlying dental issues that cause jaw dysfunction and offering a beacon of hope for those suffering. 

These interventions, which correct bite alignment, reduce excessive forces on the temporomandibular joint, and optimize dental occlusion, can relieve pain and restore normal jaw function, bringing a sense of relief and normalcy back into your life. 

The veteran dentist points out that there are different methods of permanently curing TMJ, including occlusal splints. These splints are a noninvasive and conservative approach to TMJ treatment, promoting proper jaw positioning while reducing bruxism-related muscle activity. 

This gentle approach can help alleviate any anxiety you may have about treatment. Bite adjustment procedures aim to achieve optimal occlusion by reshaping teeth’s chewing surfaces or adjusting dental restorations to ensure harmonious contact between upper and lower teeth.

Certain lifestyle modifications can reduce bruxism and the symptoms of TMD. These mostly center around stress management to reduce the involuntary grinding but posture training, physical therapy, and diet changes to rest the jaw may also help.

When lifestyle changes or other therapies fail to significantly improve TMJ pain and symptoms, an oral appliance provided by a qualified dentist can reduce the problems caused by disorders of the TMJ.

Luck Dental Care also offers other dental reconstruction procedures such as crowns, bridges, or orthodontic treatment that can address structural abnormalities contributing to TMJ disorder, resulting in long-term stability and comfort. 

Oral appliances for TMJ disorder patients fit over the teeth like a mouthguard. They are designed to help the patient manage the disorder, such as reducing tooth wear, decreasing tooth sensitivity and pain, comforting muscle soreness, and managing instability.

Oral appliances for TMJ disorders can be worn day or night and discourage daytime behaviors many patients don’t realize they’re doing, such as clenching their teeth when stressed or even biting their nails or cuticles. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, TMJ disorder can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life. However, with effective treatment options available to achieve permanent relief and restore optimal jaw functions, especially by Luck Dental Care,  the leading provider of TMJ disorder treatments, there is definitely hope for a permanent cure for this debilitating and painful health condition. 

By combining conservative measures with targeted dental interventions, individuals with TMJ disorder can achieve long-term recovery and better oral health. The key is a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and circumstances, showing that your health and well-being are valued and understood.  

If you suffer from any of the symptoms that TMJ disorders cause, contact Luck Dental Care, your reliable dentist in Cypress, TX, today for a complete evaluation. Our experienced professionals are here to address your TMJ concerns and provide effective solutions to improve oral health and comfort.