TMJ Treatment in NJ
Champagne Smiles provides TMJ treatment in Morganville, NJ. Call 732-972-0918 to learn more and schedule your appointment.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jawbone to the skull. TMJ disorders often cause discomfort in the cheek, jaw, or ear areas and can affect normal jaw function.
The level of degree in which TMJ disorder can affect a patient will vary. For instance – in less severe cases TMJ disorders can be treated with self-managed care (eating soft foods, using ice packs, avoiding extreme jaw movement) or nonsurgical treatments (anti-inflammatory medications, Botox injections, or stabilization splints). In more severe cases, surgical treatments (jaw joint replacements) may be necessary.
TMJ conditions fall into three main categories:
- Myofascial pain – discomfort or pain in the muscles that control jaw function (grinding teeth can result in this type of TMJ disorder)
- Internal derangement of the joint – a possible indicator of a displaced disc, dislocated jaw, or injury to the condyle
- Arthritis – a degenerative inflammatory disorder
Signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders are frequently intensified by stress and can include:
- Headaches
- Soreness in the cheek or jaw area
- Pain in or around the ears
- Facial pain
- Tight jaws
- Popping or clicking sounds when opening mouth
- Locking of the jaw
- Difficulty chewing
This list is of the most common symptoms but is not exhaustive. It is important to keep in mind that not everyone experiences TMJ disorder the same way. You may have one or more of these symptoms – or something entirely different. Regular checkups with your dentist will help you address your TMJ disorder with the proper treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ Disorder
What causes TMJ disorder?
TMJ disorder can be the result of many different things. Most often it is due to excessive strain on the joint. It could be the result of trauma to the jaw (or anywhere on the neck and head) or due to the regular clenching or grinding of teeth.
This joint controls things like chewing, swallowing, and speaking – which means it is hard to keep it relaxed even after the strain.
What happens if TMJ disorder is left untreated? Will it go away on its own?
If your pain from TMJ disorder is minor and not life-disrupting, it may very well go away on its own without seeking treatment. Taking over-the-counter pain medication and eating soft foods is a way of keeping it under control. But without formally addressing the issue, it could get worse.
TMJ disorder does not pose any life-threatening risks if left untreated. However, it can lead to a lot of discomforts and chronic pain. And, unfortunately, living with chronic pain can significantly impact your overall quality of life.
What should I do if I am experiencing TMJ disorder symptoms?
If you have been diagnosed with TMJ disorder or you think you may have it based on the symptoms you are feeling, then you must schedule an appointment with your dentist. Finding the root cause and the best treatment can keep you pain-free.
Contact Champagne Smiles at 732-972-0918 to schedule an appointment. In the meantime, try eating soft foods and taking over-the-counter pain medication to seek relief.