TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which is the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. When people talk about TMJ, they’re usually referring to ongoing jaw pain caused by the joint not working properly. Dr. Heather Adams offers TMJ treatment in Rogers, AR for patients suffering from TMJ symptoms. This restorative dentistry service will help you find relief from your TMJ headaches and other painful symptoms.
Patients with TMJ often suffer from painful symptoms for many years due to misdiagnosis. Dr. Adams has advanced postgraduate training from the SPEAR academy on the diagnosis and treatment of TMJ-related disorders. Personalized consultations allow Dr. Adams to better understand the underlying functional issues that affect your jaw health.
What Causes TMJ?
TMJ can be caused by a number of factors, many of which cause muscle tension in the jaw which leads to associated symptoms. Patients with TMJ often also have some degree of malocclusion of the bite, crooked teeth, or other orthodontic issues. Additionally, an injury or trauma to the jaw can damage the TMJ and cause chronic pain symptoms.
Bruxism or habitual teeth grinding is another common cause of damage to the jaw joint and muscles. Patients who clench their jaw or grind their teeth often experience the painful symptoms of TMJ.
Do I Have TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint connects the jaw to the base of the skull. The joint is surrounded by many delicate muscles, tendons, and sensitive nerve endings. When the jaw is not properly aligned it can cause the added tension resulting in pain in the face, neck, and jaw.
Common symptoms of TMJ include:
- Popping or clicking of the jaw
- Pain in the jaw, face, or neck
- Reoccurring headaches
- Earaches or a feeling of fullness in ears
- Bruxism (teeth grinding)
- Numbness in the face or hands
- Excessively worn, chipped, or cracked teeth
TMJ Treatment in Rogers, AR
TMJ therapy is a restorative dentistry service that Dr. Heather Adams provides in Rogers, AR.
The underlying cause of your jaw pain will determine the type of treatment you receive. Dr. Adams will work with the patient to develop a treatment plan that will correct functional issues and restore damage caused to the teeth and gums due to prolonged malfunction of the jaw.
Dr. Adams offers traditional and innovative solutions for addressing TMJ. From oral sleep appliance therapy to Botox® therapeutic, Dr. Adams can help you find relief from discomfort and improve oral health.
For some patients, a single treatment option will correct underlying issues while others may use a combination of therapies to fully restore their smile.
Clear Braces
If your teeth are crooked or out of alignment, we can use invisible aligners to realign your teeth and address malocclusion to realign the bite. This treatment will relieve tension in the jaw. It is a discreet treatment and it is more comfortable compared to normal brackets and wires. To learn more about the clear braces process, see Invisible Braces.
Oral Sleep Appliance Therapy
A custom oral sleep appliance can help prevent teeth grinding or clenching your jaw during sleep. It will provide a barrier so your top and bottom teeth can no longer make contact. This will help reduce strain on the TMJ and surrounding muscles as well as protect the teeth.
An oral sleep appliance will help patients find relief from their jaw pain, improve jaw functionality, and prevent wear and damaged to the teeth caused by grinding or clenching.
Botox
We can inject Botox deep into the jaw muscles to relieve painful symptoms associated with TMJ temporarily. Dr. Adams will inject the Botox to help release any tension in the TMJ. This treatment is safe to use every six months. To learn more about the benefits of Botox injections for TMJ disorders, see Botox.
Restorative Dentistry
We often see how teeth grinding affects the TMJ and teeth. Severe damage can occur, resulting in restorative dental care. Dr. Adams offers several treatments to restore your oral health. Dental crowns, dental bonding, or porcelain veneers may be used to repair damage to the teeth or to properly align your teeth. To learn more about the restorative treatments we offer, see Restorative Dentistry.
TMJ Treatment FAQs
Read our frequently asked questions to learn more about TMJ disorders and TMJ treatment in our Rogers, AR, office. If you have further questions, please call our dental practice during normal business hours.
How is TMJ diagnosed?
To diagnose TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder, our dentist will start by asking about your symptoms. Dr. Adams will want to know if you have pain in your jaw, clicking sounds, or trouble moving your jaw.
Next, she will examine your jaw and mouth. She may check for jaw tenderness, listen for clicking or popping sounds, and see how well you can open and close your mouth. Sometimes, she may take X-rays or other images to look at the bones and joints in your jaw. A full bite exam will help diagnose TMJ problems.
Why does my jaw and face always hurt?
A misalignment or misuse of the jaw joint commonly causes jaw and orofacial pain. Temporomandibular disorders, called TMJ, can be caused by malocclusion of the bite, crooked teeth, or teeth grinding.
How can I stop grinding my teeth?
Many patients grind their teeth while sleeping. An oral sleep appliance can prevent the jaw from grinding together while they are sleeping.
For other patients, jaw clenching or teeth grinding is related to stress. This habit may be subconscious but can worsen during times of high stress. Patients may benefit from changes in lifestyle, therapy, and regular exercise.
Could TMJ cause my headaches?
Yes. Chronic headaches, especially when they occur first thing in the morning, are often a symptom of TMJ or bruxism. Dr. Adams will perform a thorough bite and jaw analysis to find the functional cause of your chronic headaches. Dr. Adams offers oral sleep appliance therapy as well as Botox for the relief of headaches.
What will happen if I do not seek treatment for my TMJ?
TMJ disorders are not life-threatening. However, they are painful and will affect your quality of life. Chronic pain can lead to severe depression, anxiety, and lack of sleep. If your TMJ is caused by clenching or teeth grinding, this will cause your teeth to wear down prematurely and harm your gums.
How can I prevent a TMJ disorder?
If you are at risk for TMJ issues, you will need to be proactive to prevent developing a disorder. Avoid excessive jaw movement like gum chewing and nail biting. Manage stress through activities like exercise and relaxation techniques to prevent teeth grinding.
Maintain good posture to reduce strain on the jaw joint and be cautious with wide yawning to prevent excessive stretching. Avoid hard, sticky foods, limit caffeine and alcohol. You may also want to consider a custom-fitted mouthguard if you grind your teeth. Regular dental check-ups can help address issues that contribute to TMJ health.
Can a TMJ disorder affect my sleep?
Yes, a TMJ disorder can impact your sleep. Pain and discomfort in the jaw joint can interfere with rest, leading to sleep disturbances. You may find it challenging to get comfortable and it can affect your ability to fall and stay asleep. It impacts your overall sleep quality.
How can lifestyle changes treat TMJ disorders?
In addition to professional care, some lifestyle changes can help you manage TMD. We often recommend:
- Good Posture. Sitting up straight can help reduce jaw strain. Don’t slouch or rest your chin on your hand. “Forward head posture” occurs when your head sticks out more than normal from your shoulders. Instead of being aligned with your spine, your head leans forward. Poor posture can increase stress and back, neck, and jaw pain.
- Heat or Cold: Applying a warm compress or ice pack to your jaw can help reduce pain and swelling. If you have just injured your jaw, use an ice pack to reduce pain. Using a heating pad will relax your facial muscles if you have TMJ flare-ups.
- Jaw Exercises: Gentle jaw exercises can help strengthen your jaw muscles and improve movement. A physical therapist can show you the right exercises. When you need to relax your jaw, place the top of your tongue on the roof of your mouth. Then, slowly and gently open and close your mouth.
Treat TMD
Reduce jaw pain, headaches, and other painful symptoms of TMJ disorders. We offer TMJ treatment in Rogers, AR. Call (479) 323-3011 or schedule an appointment with Dr. Adams online.