What is the TMJ and Why Does it Hurt So Much?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull, allowing you to chew, speak, and yawn. This small but complex joint is responsible for smooth jaw movement, but when something goes wrong, it can lead to significant pain and discomfort.
TMJ disorders (TMD) occur when the joint becomes inflamed, misaligned, or overworked. This can happen due to teeth grinding (bruxism), stress-related jaw clenching, arthritis, or even an injury. The result? Persistent jaw pain, headaches, clicking or popping sounds, and difficulty opening or closing your mouth. In severe cases, TMJ pain can radiate to the ears, neck, and shoulders, making everyday activities uncomfortable.
Since the TMJ is constantly in use, even minor issues can cause chronic pain. If left untreated, symptoms can worsen, leading to more significant jaw dysfunction. Fortunately, treatment options provided by our Erdenheim TMJ dentist—ranging from lifestyle changes and custom mouthguards to physical therapy and dental intervention—can help restore balance and relieve discomfort.
If you’re experiencing TMJ pain, don’t ignore it. Our Erdenheim TMJ dentist can help pinpoint the cause and develop a personalized treatment plan to ease your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Can TMJ Pain Be Treated Without Surgery?
Because each of our Erdenheim TMJ disorder patients has unique issues and experiences, we offer a wide range of treatments. We start by suggesting a vacation for your jaw. Letting your muscles and your joint rest is imperative to healing. We recommend starting with:
- NSAIDs to reduce inflammation and offer temporary relief
- Heat therapy
- A soft diet, no gum chewing, and no nail biting or other stressors on your jaw
For some patients who have not experienced extensive damage from TMD, that can be enough to stop the cycle and offer lasting relief. For others, our Erdenheim TMJ dentist may also suggest:
- A custom-fitted and -created occlusal guard or deprogrammer—these guards offer amazing relaxation and relief while also protecting your teeth from the damages of clenching and grinding
- Physical therapy
No matter how long you have suffered from TMJ disorder pain, our Erdenheim TMJ dentist can help with a customized treatment plan just for you.