Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD), commonly known as TMJ disorder, affects millions of people each year. The temporomandibular joint connects the jawbone to the skull, allowing essential movements for chewing and speaking. When this joint becomes misaligned or inflamed, it can cause pain, discomfort, and difficulty with jaw function.
At Cobb Center for Advanced Dentistry, we provide effective TMJ treatment for patients experiencing symptoms such as jaw pain, headaches, clicking or locking of the jaw, and muscle tension. Our goal is to relieve discomfort and restore healthy jaw function through customized treatment plans.
What Is TMJ Dysfunction?
TMJ dysfunction, also known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), affects the jaw joints, surrounding muscles, and connective tissues. It can lead to various symptoms, including pain, restricted movement, and tension in the jaw and facial muscles.
The temporomandibular joint plays a vital role in daily functions such as eating, speaking, and yawning. When dysfunction occurs, it can significantly impact quality of life. Studies suggest that 5% to 12% of adults experience some form of TMJ disorder, with a higher prevalence among women and individuals between the ages of 20 and 40.
Types of TMJ Dysfunction
TMJ disorders are categorized into three primary types:
- Jaw joint disorders – Conditions that directly affect the temporomandibular joint, including inflammation and arthritis.
- TMJ-related headaches – Chronic headaches and migraines resulting from jaw tension or misalignment.
- Muscle-related disorders – Issues involving the muscles responsible for jaw movement, often caused by tension or overuse.
- Jaw joint disorders – Conditions that directly affect the temporomandibular joint, including inflammation and arthritis.
- Muscle-related disorders – Issues involving the muscles responsible for jaw movement, often caused by tension or overuse.
- TMJ-related headaches – Chronic headaches and migraines resulting from jaw tension or misalignment.
Symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction
Symptoms of TMJ disorder can vary widely, but common signs include:
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Facial pain and muscle stiffness
- Clicking, popping, or grinding noises when opening or closing the mouth
- Difficulty or discomfort while chewing
- Headaches, migraines, or tension in the temples
- Ear pain, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), or a feeling of ear fullness
- Neck, shoulder, or back pain
- Locking of the jaw or limited movement
- Changes in the way teeth fit together
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Facial pain and muscle stiffness
- Clicking, popping, or grinding noises when opening or closing the mouth
- Difficulty or discomfort while chewing
- Headaches, migraines, or tension in the temples
- Ear pain, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), or a feeling of ear fullness
- Neck, shoulder, or back pain
- Locking of the jaw or limited movement
- Changes in the way teeth fit together
Causes of TMJ Dysfunction
There is no single cause of TMJ dysfunction. Instead, it can develop due to multiple factors, including:
- Jaw injuries – Trauma, fractures, or dislocations affecting the joint.
- Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism) – Excessive force on the jaw muscles and joints.
- Arthritis – Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis affecting the TMJ.
- Malocclusion – Misalignment of the teeth, leading to improper jaw function.
- Stress and muscle tension – Chronic stress causing involuntary clenching of the jaw.
- Poor posture – Straining of the neck, shoulders, and jaw muscles due to improper alignment.
- Excessive gum chewing – Overuse of jaw muscles contributing to strain.
- Jaw injuries – Trauma, fractures, or dislocations affecting the joint.
- Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism) – Excessive force on the jaw muscles and joints.
- Arthritis – Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis affecting the TMJ.
- Malocclusion – Misalignment of the teeth, leading to improper jaw function.
- Stress and muscle tension – Chronic stress causing involuntary clenching of the jaw.
- Poor posture – Straining of the neck, shoulders, and jaw muscles due to improper alignment.
- Excessive gum chewing – Overuse of jaw muscles contributing to strain.
If left untreated, TMJ dysfunction can lead to worsening pain, difficulty eating, and long-term dental issues.
Diagnosing TMJ Disorder
A proper diagnosis is essential to developing an effective treatment plan. During a TMJ evaluation, our dental team will:
- Take imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to examine the jaw joint and surrounding structures
- Assess jaw movement and range of motion
- Palpate (feel) the jaw joints for tenderness or abnormalities
- Listen for clicking or grinding sounds when opening and closing the mouth
- Assess jaw movement and range of motion
- Palpate (feel) the jaw joints for tenderness or abnormalities
- Listen for clicking or grinding sounds when opening and closing the mouth
- Take imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to examine the jaw joint and surrounding structures
TMJ Treatment Options
Treatment for TMJ dysfunction varies depending on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms. At Cobb Center for Advanced Dentistry, we offer non-surgical and surgical solutions to help alleviate discomfort and restore normal jaw function.
Non-Surgical TMJ Treatment
Many cases of TMJ dysfunction can be effectively managed with non-invasive therapies, including:
- Mouth guards or splints – Custom-fitted dental appliances to prevent teeth grinding and improve jaw positioning.
- Physical therapy – Strengthening and stretching exercises to improve jaw function.
- Trigger point injections – Targeted pain relief through muscle relaxant injections.
- Ultrasound therapy – Heat therapy to relax jaw muscles and improve circulation.
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) – A low-voltage electrical current to relax muscles and reduce pain.
- Behavioral modifications – Stress management, posture correction, and avoiding hard or chewy foods.
Medications for TMJ Relief
- Certain medications can help relieve TMJ pain and discomfort, including:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen
- Muscle relaxants for patients who grind or clench their teeth
- Low-dose antidepressants, which can modify pain perception and improve sleep patterns
Surgical TMJ Treatment
For severe cases of TMJ dysfunction that do not respond to conservative treatments, surgical options may be considered, including:
- Arthrocentesis – A minimally invasive procedure that removes fluid buildup in the joint.
- TMJ arthroscopy – A keyhole surgery used to reshape bone, remove scar tissue, or reposition the joint disc.
- Open-joint surgery – A more extensive procedure to repair or reconstruct the TMJ when necessary.
Surgery is typically reserved for cases where structural damage, arthritis, or severe joint deterioration is present.
Preventing TMJ Dysfunction
While some causes of TMJ disorder are unavoidable, certain lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of developing jaw joint problems:
- Use a mouthguard at night if you grind or clench your teeth
- Maintain good posture to reduce muscle strain in the neck, shoulders, and jaw
- Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice, pens, or fingernails
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques, meditation, or physical activity
- Seek early treatment for dental misalignment or bite problems
- Use a mouthguard at night if you grind or clench your teeth
- Maintain good posture to reduce muscle strain in the neck, shoulders, and jaw
- Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice, pens, or fingernails
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques, meditation, or physical activity
- Seek early treatment for dental misalignment or bite problems
Frequently Asked Questions
Does TMJ treatment involve surgery?
Most cases of TMJ dysfunction do not require surgery. Non-invasive treatments like mouthguards, medications, and therapy are often effective. Surgery is considered only when other treatments fail.
What are the common symptoms of TMJ disorder?
TMJ symptoms can include jaw pain, difficulty chewing, headaches, earaches, and clicking or popping sounds when moving the jaw.
How is TMJ treated?
Treatment varies based on the severity of symptoms and may include dental appliances, physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, or in some cases, surgery.
Can TMJ go away on its own?
Mild cases of TMJ dysfunction may resolve with self-care and stress management. However, chronic cases often require professional treatment.
What are the common symptoms of TMJ disorder?
TMJ symptoms can include jaw pain, difficulty chewing, headaches, earaches, and clicking or popping sounds when moving the jaw.
How is TMJ treated?
Treatment varies based on the severity of symptoms and may include dental appliances, physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, or in some cases, surgery.
Can TMJ go away on its own?
Mild cases of TMJ dysfunction may resolve with self-care and stress management. However, chronic cases often require professional treatment.
Does TMJ treatment involve surgery?
Most cases of TMJ dysfunction do not require surgery. Non-invasive treatments like mouthguards, medications, and therapy are often effective. Surgery is considered only when other treatments fail.
Why Choose Cobb Center for Advanced Dentistry for TMJ Treatment?
Dr. Patel and our team are experts in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders using advanced techniques and personalized treatment plans. We are committed to helping patients find long-term relief from jaw pain and discomfort.
Dr. Patel is a member of:
- International College of Craniomandibular Orthopedics
- Georgia Association of Dentists
- Academy of General Dentistry
- Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation
- American Academy of Implant Dentistry
- American Dental Association
- American Dental Association
- Georgia Association of Dentists
- Academy of General Dentistry
- Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation
- American Academy of Implant Dentistry
- International College of Craniomandibular Orthopedics
Schedule a Consultation for TMJ Treatment
If you are experiencing TMJ symptoms such as jaw pain, headaches, or difficulty chewing, professional treatment can provide relief and improve your quality of life.
Call (770) 578-1331 today to schedule your consultation at Cobb Center for Advanced Dentistry.
