Are you experiencing pain or discomfort when opening and closing your mouth? Do you hear clicking or popping noises? You may be suffering from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). Fortunately, our experienced Arlington dentist, Dr. Macalik, offers effective TMJ treatment to help alleviate your symptoms and restore your quality of life.
What Is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your upper and lower jawbones and allows you to move your mouth freely. When the muscles and nerves surrounding the TMJ become inflamed, it can lead to TMD. This condition can cause severe pain in the face, jaw, neck, and even shoulders.
TMD symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include:
- Jaw pain and discomfort
- Tightness or locking of the jaw
- Severe headaches or migraines
- Difficulty chewing or opening and closing the mouth
- Toothaches
- Ringing in the ears
- Dizziness
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, contact our Arlington dentist’s office as soon as possible to avoid complications.
What Causes TMJ Pain?
The exact cause of TMJ disorder is often difficult to determine, as multiple factors can contribute to its development. Some common triggers include:
- Severe facial trauma
- Tooth loss
- Misaligned bite
- Overuse of the jaw
- Grinding or clenching of the teeth
- Stress
- Arthritis
- Genetics
Things That Make TMD Worse
Certain habits or activities can exacerbate TMJ pain and should be avoided to prevent further discomfort. These include:
- Chewing gum
- Wide-mouthed yawns
- Clenching or tensing the jaw
- Eating hard or tense foods
- Stressful situations
How Long Does TMJ Pain Last?
It depends. Sometimes, it goes away in a week or two; severe cases can last months or years. TMD can be short-term or chronic. The good news is that you can find relief from your symptoms with proper treatment and care.
Types of TMD
TMJ disorders can be categorized into three main types:
- Muscle disorders: These are the most common type of TMJ disorder and are often caused by repeated teeth grinding or clenching. Symptoms typically originate from the muscles surrounding the jaw.
- Degenerative joint disorders: Overuse of the jaw or aging can lead to degeneration. Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or a perforated TMJ disc can contribute to this type of disorder.
- Internal derangement disorders: This type of TMD is characterized by structural deformities of the jaw, such as displaced TMJ discs, severe facial trauma, or jaw dislocation. Grinding, clenching, or overuse can also contribute.
It’s possible to experience more than one type of TMJ disorder simultaneously. Dr. Macalik will work closely with you to determine your specific type of TMD and develop an individualized treatment plan.
TMJ Disorder Treatment
Dr. Macalik will start with a comprehensive exam to identify the source of your pain and form a proper diagnosis. Depending on the severity of the issue, she may:
- Recommend simple exercises to relax the jaw.
- Fit you with a bite splint (an orthotic) to gently adjust your bite.
- Prescribe medication that can be used in conjunction with other therapies.
Contact Our Arlington TMJ Dentist Today!
Do you think you might have a TMJ disorder? Dr. Macalik and her experienced Arlington, TX team are here to help! Call 817-496-7899 or contact us today to schedule a consultation.
