TMJ Treatment

What is TMJ?

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, and this dysfunction can cause ongoing pain, discomfort, and other issues. Left untreated, TMJ disorder can cause chronic pain that can disrupt your life. Jaw pain can affect everything from talking and eating to even resting comfortably while you’re trying to sleep.

If you experience the following symptoms, you may have TMJ disorder:

• Jaw pain
• Pain in the joints of your jaw
• Ear pain
• Pain and clicking in the jaw while chewing
• An aching face
• Difficulty in opening or closing your mouth

The movement and function of your jaw is caused by two joints — one on either side — and the muscles that surround them. TMJ disorder can cause pain in both the joints and the muscles. The exact cause of this condition can be a challenge to figure out for certain in an individual. If an immediate family member like a parent suffers from jaw pain, you may be more likely to experience this condition, too, pointing to genetics as a possible culprit. Individuals with arthritis may be more likely to experience TMJ disorder, and an injury to the jaw could spur such issues as well. Bruxism, or nighttime teeth grinding and clenching, can also be a factor for TMJ pain.

Thankfully, you don’t have to suffer TMJ disorder silently — or alone. Drs. Gordon and Brooks Green and Dr. Nichole Barnett can be your best allies in addressing this painful condition.

How can Green Dental help with the pain that TMJ causes?

The professionals at Green Dental have the experience you need to address your TMJ disorder. We can help diagnose this condition and discuss your treatment options with you. We can also facilitate customized nightguards and other appliances — as well as other medical interventions — to help you feel relief from pain.

What can I expect during consultation and treatment?

During the initial consultation, we will pinpoint your symptoms and may use a CT machine to assist in evaluating and diagnosing TMJ and TMD. A follow-up exam will explore areas of pain and tenderness in your jaw. At this point, we might be able to tell certain factors that could be contributing to the condition, such as bruxism, by the condition of your teeth.

Depending on your individual experience, we will recommend a treatment path going forward. This could include a customized nightguard to wear to avoid nighttime teeth grinding and clenching, special exercises to strengthen your jaw, relaxation medications and practices, and other approaches.