If you’re suffering from jaw pain, clicking, popping or locking and want to find some relief, a visit with a tmj specialist is a good idea.
Your specialist may order x-rays or tomographic imaging of the joint based on their physical examination. They will also ask for impressions of your teeth so that they can get a better sense of your chewing and biting habits.
Diagnosis
TMJ problems can be caused by a number of factors. These include: Malocclusion (when your teeth don’t fit together exactly as they should) Stress, chewing gum and using your teeth to tear things like clothing tags or nails Habits such as clenching and grinding your teeth, biting your fingernails or leaning on your chin Habitual facial movements such as yawning, swallowing or smiling Excessive pressure placed on the jaw from eating hard foods or large pieces of food
If you have jaw pain, clicking, popping, locking or difficulty opening your mouth, talk to your healthcare provider. They can help you determine whether you have a TMJ problem and recommend treatment. They may suggest an X-ray or other imaging tests to evaluate the jaw joint and surrounding structures. They may also ask about the frequency of your symptoms and what makes them worse or better. They will also talk to you about your lifestyle and habits to help find a treatment that works for you.
Treatment
If you have pain in your jaw, a clicking or popping sound when you chew or open your mouth, or trouble with yawning or swallowing, you may be experiencing symptoms of temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD). TMD is related to the muscles and ligaments that attach to and support the TMJ. It can also be a sign of other medical conditions, like whiplash or arthritis.
Luckily, most cases of TMD resolve with simple and non-invasive home treatments. Your doctor will likely recommend mouth guards to wear at night, which can help reduce teeth clenching and grinding and relax the jaw muscles. You can also try eating softer foods that require less strain and bite your food into smaller pieces to minimize pressure on the TMJ. Other options include stress reduction techniques and acupuncture. In rare cases, corticosteroid injections into the TMJ can relieve pain. Injections of botulinum toxin type A (Botox) into the muscles used for chewing have been shown to help in some people as well.
Preparation
When looking for a TMJ specialist, consider credentials. Look for a dentist who has received special training in orofacial pain and has significant experience treating jaw issues. Also, ask friends and family for referrals. A neuromuscular dentist is a good choice because they have studied the intricate relationship between the skeletal and muscular system, and can understand the root cause of TMJ symptoms.
A TMJ specialist will examine a patient’s jaw, ears, neck, face, and head to determine the source of the pain and recommend effective treatment options. Most TMJ treatments begin with conservative options to relieve pain and inflammation. These may include a self-care regimen of soft foods, over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and warm compresses. Other treatment options include jaw relaxation techniques to help patients reduce unconscious clenching or grinding of their teeth and mouth guards that are custom-fitted to fit the individual’s bite.
A TMJ specialist may also prescribe medications or a cortisone injection to decrease pain and swelling in the joint. In severe cases, a surgical procedure called TMJ arthroscopy may be required to clean the joint, smooth bone, and reposition the disc.
Follow-up
TMJ specialists have a deeper understanding of the jaw joint and related structures. This allows them to diagnose the root cause of your symptoms and design a comprehensive treatment plan that may include insights from other professionals.
TMD can affect multiple parts of the body, including the mouth, teeth, neck, ears, and head. This makes it difficult to diagnose and treat without a specialist. General dentists and orthodontists often notice TMD symptoms in their patients, but they lack the training to treat them effectively.
Choosing a TMJ specialist is important, and you should look for credentials. Make sure they have a dental degree and specialized education in orofacial pain management. They should also be certified by a professional association. Also, look for patient reviews. You will want to know if their treatments have been successful for other people with TMJ. You can also prepare for your first appointment by gathering health records, lists of medications and supplements you take regularly, and imaging records from previous procedures.