What is the Temporomandibular Joint?
The temporomandibular joint, better known as the TMJ, connects the jawbone to the skull. It works like a sliding hinge to allow full movement when speaking, eating, or yawning.
TMJ disorders are often temporary, although the cause is often difficult to determine. Genetics, arthritis, jaw injury, bruxism (teeth grinding), or issues with the teeth can cause TMJ disorders. For example, overcrowding or severely crooked teeth can disrupt your bite, which can cause the jaw to slide out of its normal position over time. Thankfully, TMJ treatment in Wenatchee is available to manage or cure these disorders.
TMJ Symptoms
Symptoms of TMJ disorders can include pain, tenderness, or an ache in the jaw, face, ears, or temporomandibular joint. In addition, you may experience pain or difficulty when chewing. In more severe cases, TMJ disorders can cause lockjaw. This is when the jaw locks, making it difficult to open or close the mouth. In most cases, lockjaw associated with TMJ disorders is temporary and will not affect breathing or swallowing.
Night Guards
Night guards are a device that can be inserted over your teeth. These help protect teeth but are not used to treat the joint.
Oral Splints
Oral splints can help with TMJ disorders by placing your jaw in a more favorable position. Over time, this can help correct your bite and ease pain or discomfort in your jaw.
Alternative TMJ Treatments
Alternative treatments include non-surgical options and home treatments that work best when paired with either a mouth guard or an oral splint. For example, over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatories can help manage pain related to the TMJ. However, if the pain is unbearable or over-the-counter medications aren’t working, we may prescribe something more potent like prescription-strength ibuprofen.
Another prescription option is a muscle reliever or relaxer. Our dentist may prescribe a muscle reliever if they believe muscle spasms are causing or exacerbating your TMJ pain.
Some people find physical therapy works well for their TMJ disorders. Physical therapy will focus on stretching and strengthening the jaw using targeted exercises. Ultrasound, heat, and ice may be used alongside the exercises.
We also offer platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) treatment for TMJ. PRF is where we take the patient’s own biologics and use the growth and healing factors to heal and repair the TMJ joint. This is shown successful for disc tears, Arthritis, degenerative joint disease, and inflammation. It is the highest level of care we can offer.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
At the initial appointment an exam will be completed where the team and doctor will evaluate muscles, the joint, function, your personal story, and what your goals of treatment are. A cone beam x-ray will be taken to evaluate the internal structure and bony elements of the jaw joint. Doctor will then discuss treatment options and what best suites your situation and your needs to get the best relief for you.
Your second appointment typically is the delivery of your appliance where the team will ensure that comfort and function are established. We will show you how to wear the appliance, when to wear the appliance, and how to keep it clean. We will also discuss any questions you may have.
Once you’ve worn the appliance for a few weeks, the doctor likes to see you again to evaluate how you were doing.
There are Treatment Options Available for Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
TMJ disorders can cause pain and achiness and disrupt your quality of life. These disorders can also make chewing or talking difficult. Thankfully, Cascade Advanced Dentistry provides TMJ treatments to manage or fix these disorders. Contact our office today to set up a consultation appointment with our dental team.
