TMJ Treatment Options From A General Dentist

When it comes to the treatment of TMJ disorders, diagnosis is half the battle. Finding the causes of a patient’s jaw pain provides the information a dentist needs to craft a custom treatment plan.

As an example, the treatment plan for TMJD from teeth grinding is different from the kind of treatment a TMJD patient with a bad bite would need. So before this article explores the different treatment options for TMJ disorders, here is a little background. It covers the causes and diagnosis of TMJ problems.

Common symptoms of TMJ disorders

The common thread that runs through the vast majority of TMJD cases is discomfort. The soreness and pain may vary in intensity, but they are always present. They may happen in the jaw, teeth, cheeks, sinuses, neck or head. Many TMJD patients also struggle to move their jaws in certain ways. They may experience pain and a grating sensation when they try certain jaw movements.

Diagnosing TMJD

A general dentist performs an exhaustive investigation of their TMJ patient’s oral health. They begin the examination process by finding out about their patient’s experience with jaw pain. The dentist then proceeds to palpate different regions of the face to locate points of tenderness or soreness. They also make their patient move their jaw in different ways to pinpoint the types of movement that trigger pain.

Next, the dentist goes over the patient’s medical history to look for possible causes of pain and limited movement. They will also order medical tests in search of physical causes of the patient’s symptoms.

Common causes of TMJ disorders

There is a correlation between TMJ disorders and chronic teeth grinding. This means that many TMJD cases result from constant pressure on the teeth and jaws.

A smaller percentage of TMJ disorders happen to individuals who suffer from bad bites caused by dental or jawbone misalignment. Then there is the small group of patients that develop TMJ after they start the process of orthodontic treatment. Appliances like braces can change a person’s bite, straining the jaw and the muscles around it.

Patients who suffer from arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions are at a higher risk of developing TMJ disorders. This can happen when the padding that cushions the bones of the temporomandibular joints wears away. Trauma to the mouth can also trigger the onset of TMJD.

Treatment options for TMJD

Once the general dentist pins down the source of their patient’s discomfort, they craft a treatment plan to address the immediate and root causes of the disorder. Treatment falls into a number of categories:

1. Medication

Sedatives and muscle relaxants prevent patients who suffer from bruxism-induced TMJD from grinding their teeth. Anti-inflammatories help to bring down any swelling that results from jaw clenching.

2. Restraints

An oral splint stabilizes the jaw and keeps a patient from grinding their teeth. Prosthodontics or bite guards achieve the same thing.

3. Orthodontic treatment

If a dentist finds that a bad bite is responsible for their patient’s TMJ problem, they will recommend the correction of said bad bite. On the other hand, a set of braces can change a person’s bite and strain the jawbone as well as the soft tissue around it. In such a scenario, the dentist will recommend an adjustment of their patient’s orthodontic appliance.

4. Dental procedures

Dental problems can cause a person to favor one side of their mouth over the other. This changes how the person chews and in some cases speaks. The person slowly develops a bad bite because of a problem as simple as an impacted tooth or sensitivity. A dental procedure can eliminate the root problem, allowing the patient to put equal pressure on all sections of their jaw.

5. Corrective jaw procedures

If injury, deformity or misalignment is at the root of a patient’s TMJD, a dentist could recommend a combination of orthodontic treatment and corrective surgery. It is worth noting that this is always a last resort. A dentist will exhaust all other options before they settle on surgery.

TMJ disorders can go away

It only takes a dedicated team to find the cause of your TMJ problem and craft a treatment plan that works for you. Our general dentist and their team of consultants have the skill and experience to get you through your journey to a healthy mouth. Call us to find out how we can help you enjoy the full use of your mouth once again.

Request an appointment here: or call Gilroy Dental Associates at (408) 842-2818 for an appointment in our Gilroy office.

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