TMJ Treatment
Port Angeles WA
TMJ Treatment provided by Stephen J. Turella, DMD
in Port Angeles, WA at Turella Oral Surgery
At Turella Oral Surgery in Port Angeles,WA, we have the expertise and technology to treat TMJ discomfort.
Oral Surgeons like Stephen J. Turella, DMD have the special skills and experience to diagnose and treat problems of the jaw.
What Is TMJ? What Is TMD?
TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint: the joint on each side of the face that connects your lower jaw and skull. These two joints rotate and slide in front of both ears. e:
The lower jaw, called the mandible, and the base and side of the skull, called the temporal bone (the side and base of the skull) are joined by the temporomandibular joints - and are considered one of the most complicated joints inside the human body.
The TMJ recruits several muscles to move the mandible side to side, up and down, forward and back. When properly aligned, the joints and mandible allow smooth muscle actions, including talking, chewing, yawning, and swallowing.
When these muscles, jawbone, ligaments, and temporal bone are misaligned, they can lead to several issues.
These resultant issues or disorders of temporomandibular joints and jaw muscles are known as TMD - or temporomandibular disorders. Any issue preventing joints, bones, and muscles from working together seamlessly can lead to a temporomandibular disorder.
How Is TMD Classified?
TMD can be classified into the following sections.
Myofascial Pain
This is the most frequently occurring type of TMD. It causes pain and discomfort in the fascia (the connective tissue that covers the muscles) and the muscles that control the neck, shoulder, and jaw function.
Internal Derangement of the Joint
This results from a displaced disk, a dislocated jaw, or injury to the condyle (the jawbone's end linked to the temporal skull bone with a movable joint).
Degenerative Joint Disease
This is also known as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis and occurs when the jaw joints wear down.
One or more of these situations may exist concurrently.
Women are twice as likely as males to suffer from temporomandibular problems, especially those aged 35 to 44.
What Causes TMD?
The exact cause of these TMD conditions varies.
Often it is due to excessive pressure on the jaw joints and the muscles in charge of controlling speaking, biting, chewing, and swallowing. This tightness could also be caused by bruxism - which is the habitual grinding or clenching of teeth.
Blunt force trauma or injury to the head, jaw, or neck can also lead to TMD.
Some TMDs are transient and disappear on their own. They can, however, become severe or long-lasting in some circumstances.
TMDs can occur alone or with other medical diseases, such as back pain, headaches, fibromyalgia, sleep issues, and irritable bowel syndrome.
What Are the Symptoms of TMD?
The following list mentions the common signs and symptoms of TMD:
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Jaw discomfort or pain
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Headaches
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Swelling on one or both sides of the face
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Severe pain behind the eyes, in the face, neck, shoulder, or back
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Earaches
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Dizziness
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Clicking or jaw popping
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Restricted mouth motions
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Locking of the jaw
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Clenching the jaw or grinding the teeth
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Sudden tooth sensitivity
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Numbness or tingling sensation in the fingers
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A difference in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together |
How Is TMJ Dysfunction Diagnosed?
Your dental professional will diagnose if you have a TMJ dysfunction during your dental checkup. This is how the process will go:
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Examine your mouth's range of motion as you open and close it.
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Identify regions of discomfort by pressing on different areas of your jaw and face.
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Feel the jaw joints while you repeatedly open and close your mouth. |
You might be required to take some scans to examine your jaw joints and determine the severity of the trauma. These may include:
Panoramic X-rays
This dental x-ray provides a comprehensive image of your teeth, jawbone, and TMJs.
CBCT Scans
CBCT scans, also called 3d cone beam technology, collects thousands of images of your teeth, jaw, sinuses, and facial bones.
These images are then blended to create a detailed three-dimensional image. These dental CT scans give your doctor a deeper look at your facial anatomy.
MRI Scans
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be required in rare circumstances to examine the soft tissues inside the jaw joints. The resultant photos depict the disk location, inflammation, and probable jaw locking. The results from an MRI scan can tell your doctor about the working and condition of the TMJ disc.
What Is the Treatment for TMJ/TMD?
Treatment options range from self-care and conservative therapies to injections and invasive surgery. Most medical professionals concur that conservative, nonsurgical therapy should be tried first, and surgery should only be used as a last resort.
When Does TMJ Surgery Become the Only Option?
TMJ surgery is the last resort and is only considered if significant discomfort persists despite all other possible treatments. Even though TMJ surgery is generally the best choice, it's crucial to consider your choices and make a well-informed choice.
There are three types of TMJ surgeries: arthroscopy, arthrocentesis, and open-joint surgery. Your surgeon will determine the type of surgery by observing the intricacy of the issue and the TMJ symptoms.
Open joint surgery has a longer recovery time than arthrocentesis and arthroscopy, increasing the risk of tissue scarring and nerve damage. Rest assured, open-joint surgery is still the best option in certain situations. Your healthcare practitioner can assist you in choosing the strategy that is best suited for your particular needs.
How Can TMD Be Treated?
The following factors will influence your dental practitioner's decision about the best treatment:
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Your age
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Your medical history and overall health
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Your ability to handle certain therapies, medicines, or procedures
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Expected duration of your condition
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Your preferred method or opinion |
Treatment options may include:
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Rest of temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
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Using medication and pain relievers
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Stress management and relaxation techniques
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Making behavioral changes (avoiding teeth clenching)
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Posture training
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Use of a mouthguard or another orthopedic appliance
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Physical therapy
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Diet changes (eating soft foods and adopting for a fluid diet)
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Hot and ice packs
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Surgery |
Book an Appointment With Your Port Angeles Oral Surgeon Today!
If you're feeling discomfort or pain in your temporomandibular joint, call us at (360) 912-8244 to book an appointment. Let our professionals examine you and explore the best-suited TMJ treatment for you. |
