TMJ Treatment and Jaw Muscle Pain

Malfunction of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is an extremely common condition that affects a broad spectrum of individuals. If you are experiencing pain in your jaw or head, or if you cannot bite or chew without difficulty, our Encinitas dentists can help you restore proper function of your jaw joint with a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to treat your TMJ symptoms.

What Is TMJ Disorder (TMD)?

TMJ disorder is a condition in which proper function of the jaw joint is disrupted. This can happen for a variety of reasons and the exact cause of TMJ malfunction is usually different for each patient. In any case, individuals with TMJ disorder typically experience jaw pain, tension, aching, or discomfort when the defect goes untreated, with symptoms often radiating to the entire head and body. Like any medical condition, the best way to address TMJ disorder is through proactive treatment and qualified care from someone with experience treating temporomandibular joint-related problems. There are many patients who visit our progressive dentistry practice for their TMJ concerns, and Dr. Cathy Santone and Dr. Megan Dietz are well-versed in examining TMJ concerns with the goal of identifying the root cause of symptoms and treating the malfunctions accordingly. With effective treatment, patients can restore their physiological wellness and achieve relief from their TMJ pain.

What is the Temporomandibular Joint?

As the point of fixation between the jaw and the rest of the head, the temporomandibular joints enable jaw motion. When working properly, these joints allow you to chew, speak, yawn, or otherwise open and close the mouth with ease. However, if the TMJ undergoes stress and becomes inflamed—or there is a disruption in the delicate balance between the muscles, cartilage, nerves, and blood vessels surrounding the TMJ—movement of the jaw can be difficult or even painful. TMJ disorder, commonly referred to as TMD, can encompass a wide variety of impairments in the jaw joints.

What Causes TMJ Disorder?

As mentioned previously, there is no singular cause for TMD and an array of factors can contribute to swelling or malfunction of the temporomandibular joints and their surrounding muscles. The source of TMJ trouble can range from excessive pressure on the TMJ to arthritic conditions affecting the jaw joints. Symptoms often arise from:

• Clenching or grinding the teeth
• Jaw imbalance or misalignment
• Injury or trauma to the jaw/jaw joints
• Movement of the shock-absorbing disc above the TMJ
• Stress or injury to the muscles of the head, face, and neck
• Arthritis

Feelings of stress can also create tension in the jaw joints, as individuals commonly tighten their facial muscles or clench their teeth together when they are under emotional duress. If you think you may be affected by TMD, Dr. Santone or Dr. Dietz can work with you to determine what mechanisms are causing your symptoms.

What Are the Symptoms of TMJ Disorder?

Cases of TMJ disorder often range in severity and symptoms may affect one or both sides of the face. They can be temporary or exacerbate with time, depending on the unique physiology of your oral structures. In general, patients often experience:

• Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening and closing the mouth
• Locking or stiffness of the jaw
• Difficulty chewing
• Headaches and migraines
• A tired feeling in the face
• Sore facial muscles
• Pain in the jaw, head, temples, neck, or shoulders
• Swelling on the side(s) of the face
• A ringing in the ears

What TMJ Treatments are Available?

Our dentists will first perform an evaluation of your jaw structures during a consultation to make an accurate diagnosis. They will review x-rays, examine your bite, and assess whether the jaw is able to open and close with fluid motion. After it is determined that your symptoms are being caused by TMJ disorder, there are a number of ways to treat TMD— most of which involve minimally invasive techniques.

Nightguards for TMJ Disorder

In many cases, simply wearing a customized mouth or night guard can reduce stress on the teeth and jaw. For patients who are prone to grinding and clenching their teeth, this can help relieve pressure on the jaw joint as well as alleviate pain around the jaw and facial musculature.

BOTOX^®  for TMJ Disorder

In other situations, therapeutic injections of BOTOX^® Cosmetic have been proven to relieve pain caused by the muscles surrounding the TMJ. As the formulation works as a neuromodulator that can limit muscle function, BOTOX^® Cosmetic can be used for medicinal purposes to reduce stress on swollen facial muscles and minimize the incidence of teeth clenching.

At any rate, Dr. Santone and Dr. Dietz will develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to best treat your particular case of TMD so that you can enjoy life free from TMJ pain.

How Can I Manage My TMJ Pain at Home?

While we recommend having your jaw pain assessed by a physician for the most efficient and effective relief, there are also a number of things patients can do at home to potentially relieve TMJ-related discomfort, including:

• Practice relaxation techniques to reduce stress and tension.
• Apply cold or heat packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes.
• Adopt a soft diet, avoiding hard or chewy foods.
• Cut food into smaller pieces to minimize jaw strain.
• Engage in gentle jaw exercises to improve flexibility, such as opening and closing the mouth slowly.
• Maintain good posture to alleviate pressure on the jaw.
• Consider over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen for temporary relief (consult a healthcare professional before prolonged use).
• Gently massage the jaw area to alleviate tension.
• Practice mindfulness to minimize teeth clenching and grinding

Why Choose Encinitas Cosmetic Dentistry to Treat Your TMJ Pain?

As dental professionals, our providers possess an advanced understanding of jaw and facial structures—including the temporomandibular joint. We can use a number of different assessment tools and techniques—including x-rays—to help determine what is causing your jaw pain. From there, our experienced providers can discuss possible treatment solutions—including nightguards, jaw massages, and BOTOX^® injections. In cases where a patient may have structural issues that require surgical intervention, we can help connect you with the necessary resources to take the next steps in your TMD treatment journey.

Questions? To learn more about TMJ disorder, or to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced dentists, please contact our practice today.