What is TMJ pain?
Your jaw opens and shuts via a hinge-like movement and connects to the skull by the temporomandibular joints (TMJs). However, this range of motion can make the TMJs vulnerable to temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) — a type of joint pain.
Dr. Touni has years of experience in recognizing and treating TMJ disorders. If you're in pain, make an appointment and have him take a look.
What are the symptoms of TMJ pain?
The symptoms of TMJ pain vary depending on the cause, but typical signs include:
- Jaw pain
- Jaw lock
- Pain when chewing or speaking
- Pain when opening the mouth wide
- Face, neck, ear, or backache
- Unusual sounds in the jaw joint
- Facial swelling
TMJ pain can last for many years or be short-lived. It can occur in one or both temporomandibular joints. If ignored, TMJ pain may worsen and become more challenging to treat.
What causes TMJ pain?
It's not always clear what causes TMJ pain. Some factors that contribute to it include:
- Arthritis
- Clenching or grinding teeth
- Jaw injury
- TMJ damage
- Genetics
Dr. Touni assesses your TMJ pain and creates an individualized treatment plan.
What is the treatment for TMJ pain?
Sometimes, TMJ pain heals with rest. But if the pain persists or keeps coming back, it needs professional treatment. Based on your symptoms and the pain's cause, Dr. Touni creates a care plan for you that may include any of the following:
Medication
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories and pain relievers can help ease TMJ pain and pain in the surrounding muscles. If these have no effect, Dr. Touni prescribes stronger medication.
Therapies
Oral splints or mouth guards, known as occlusal appliances, can ease the pain. Physical therapy works to strengthen and stretch the muscles surrounding the jaw.
Counseling
Simply understanding which behaviors trigger or aggravate your pain — like clenching teeth when stressed or nail-biting — can help you avoid them.
Injections
Corticosteroid injections can alleviate pain when oral medication has failed.
Surgery
In cases of severe pain, Dr. Touni may recommend surgery.
Don't put off TMJ pain treatment — call Touni Orthodontics to make an appointment or book online. The team uses state-of-the-art sanitization technology, such as the Safe-Flo™ saliva ejector, the Sterisil® Straw V2, and the Mocom Sterilizer — B Futura, so you can book with the confidence that they make your health and safety a priority.
