Author: Dr. Steven Syrop

You might have heard about the temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), and this disorder is also called TMJ. If you have felt pain in your jaw, you might have this common condition. Or your dentist might have told you that you have it. If you have questions about it, keep reading to find out more.

About TMD

This is not just a single disorder. Instead, it is a group of several painful conditions. These affect the temporomandibular joint as well as the surrounding muscles. It is not known how many people have the condition. However, women are often affected more than men.

There are three main kinds of this condition. The most common type of TMD is myofascial pain. It is pain or discomfort in the muscles that work with the function of the jaw. It can also cause pain in the shoulder or neck muscles.

With internal damage to the joint, there might be a displaced disk. The condyle might be injured, or the jaw might be dislocated. With degenerative joint disease, the patient might have rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthrosis. Someone might be able to have one or more of these conditions at once. Research is still being done on how physical, behavioral, and psychological factors might contribute.

Causes of the disorder

A severe injury to the joint might cause TMD. With a heavy blow, the bones can be fractured, or the disk can be damaged. That can disrupt the motion of the jaw and cause locking or pain. Arthritis can also develop after an injury.

In some cases, a bad bite might also trigger the condition. With orthodontic treatment, such as braces, TMD might be triggered. Some people believe that chewing gum can cause clicking sounds since the joint can be overused in that case. However, if there is only clicking, then the condition might not need to be treated.

Diagnosis of TMD

The symptoms and causes of TMD are still not known. That means that diagnosing them can be hard at times. Currently, there is no standard test that can identify the condition. However, the patient can usually describe the symptoms for a diagnosis. The physical examination will include:

• Feeling the chewing muscles and joints for tenderness or pain
• Listening for popping, grating, or clicking as the joint moves
• Looking for jaw locking or limited motion while the mouth closes or opens

It is also important to look at the dental and medical history of the patient. Many times, this will give the provider enough information to find the source of the pain. Then the jaw problem or pain can be identified. The patient can then get treatment.

Visit a dentist for TMD treatment

If you have pain in your jaw, you might want to consider having a dentist look at your symptoms. If you do have a TMD disorder, then getting treatment can provide you with relief. That will also prevent long-term damage to your joint. Making an appointment today is your first step.

If you or someone you know is experiencing persistent or acute pain in the face or jaw, we invite you to set up a consultation with one of our Orofacial Pain specialists in the NYC metropolitan area. Our office locations and contact information are below.

The temporomandibular joints (commonly abbreviated as TMJ) are the two joints connecting the jawbone to the skull. While healthy TMJ will work painlessly, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that over 10 million Americans suffer from some kind of TMJ disorder. A dentist can often successfully treat TMJ pain with treatments either provided in the office or as part of an at-home regimen.

First-line therapies

Most dentists will first want to treat TMJ pain using noninvasive methods. Often, one or more of these therapies can help to reduce or eliminate TMJ pain.

Jaw exercises

Depending on a patient’s specific type of TMJ pain, a dentist may recommend exercises to stretch the jaw muscles, strengthen them or both. Regular, controlled working of the jaw can help increase mobility and promote healing. There is no single set of exercises that is beneficial for TMJ pain; a dentist will evaluate the causes of a specific patient’s pain and prescribe exercises based on that.

Mouthguards

A 2009 study published in the Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy found that occlusal orthotics (commonly called “mouthguards”) are one of the most effective ways to manage TMJ pain. These guards are custom-fitted to each patient and are designed to keep the jaw in a healthy, pain-free position. Patients who wake up with pain usually wear these at night. For those whose pain worsens throughout the day, a dentist will likely recommend wearing a guard for part of the day in order to break the habit of clenching the jaw.

Prescriptions

Often, a dentist will recommend over-the-counter pain medications to manage TMJ pain. For patients whose pain is severe, a dentist may briefly prescribe stronger pain medication. This type of prescription is almost always a temporary measure to relieve pain as treatment begins to take effect. For some patients, a dentist may also prescribe muscle relaxants, which can help reduce pain when the symptoms are caused by muscle spasms.

Advanced therapies

If conservative treatments do not improve a patient’s TMJ pain, a dentist may move to more advanced methods of addressing symptoms. These therapies carry more risk, but in some cases, they are the only way to eliminate pain.

Injections

In some people, corticosteroid injections into the affected joint can reduce TMJ pain. This is not a permanent treatment, but it can bring severe pain to a manageable level. Occasionally, botulinum toxin type A (commonly sold under the brand name BOTOX®) injections into the jaw muscle can also reduce pain.

Surgeries

There are a variety of surgical options available to treat persistent TMJ pain. These range from minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery to riskier, more involved open-joint surgery.

Conclusion

TMJ pain can get in the way of living a happy, productive life. For most patients, a dentist will be able to develop a treatment plan that works. If you are experiencing TMJ pain and looking for relief, do not hesitate to contact your dentist.

If you or someone you know is experiencing persistent or acute pain in the face or jaw, we invite you to set up a consultation with one of our Orofacial Pain specialists in the NYC metropolitan area. Our office locations and contact information are below.

The terms TMJ and TMD are similar but not the same. TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which connects the jaw to the skull bones located right in front of the ears. There are certain issues that cause this joint to work incorrectly, and when this happens, it is referred to as TMD, which is short for TMJ disorder. Many people, however, incorrectly refer to disorders of the joint as TMJ.

Symptoms of TMD

Factors involved with disorders of TMJ include injury to the jaw or joint, chronic tension in the face and jaw, teeth grinding and arthritis. These can cause a variety of symptoms, and these range from mild to severe:

• Soreness and tightness around the jaw
• Clicking and popping with jaw movement
• Trouble chewing due to crooked bite
• Extreme pain around joint and facial muscles
• Aching in and around the ear
• Locking of the jaw in the open position

If TMD is caused by increased stress and tension, this may put extra strain on the surrounding muscles of the neck and upper back. This may lead to secondary symptoms such as neck pain, headaches or sore shoulder muscles.

Treatment for TMD

The treatment for TMJ disorders varies based on the cause and the severity of the symptoms. For mild symptoms, no medical treatment may be necessary. At-home remedies can include ice packs, relaxation techniques and avoiding foods that stress the jaw.

Mouthguards, bridges and crowns

For moderate and severe symptoms, the dentist or doctor typically begins with conservative treatment before more invasive procedures. With teeth-grinding or clenching, a splint or mouth guard is recommended. In some cases, the symptoms are due to an issue with the teeth, so treatment may include dental work such as bridges or crowns.

Pain medications, muscle relaxants and antidepressants

Medication may be recommended for pain relief and muscle relaxation. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories are often used first, but prescription pain meds may be recommended if the discomfort persists. Muscle relaxants may also be prescribed for the short term to relieve muscle tension. In rarer cases, anti-anxiety medication or antidepressants may be prescribed in low doses. These have been shown to improve relaxation, relieve pain, help improve sleep and decrease the occurrence of teeth grinding.

Physical therapy, acupuncture and surgery

Alternative therapies, such as physical therapy, massage, chiropractic, low laser therapy, ultrasound, acupuncture and biofeedback may help some who suffer from symptoms. If other methods do not relieve TMD symptoms, surgery or other procedures may be recommended. Surgical procedures include open-mouth surgery, arthroscopy and arthrocentesis. Injections, such as botulinum toxin type A or corticosteroid, may also alleviate pain.

Conclusion

People who suffer from TMJ disorders experience a wide variety of symptoms, and a number of them can reduce the quality of life. If someone suspects they have issues with the joint, they should seek help from a doctor or dentist because some of the symptoms mimic other conditions. Fortunately, there are effective treatment options for TMD to help reduce pain and increase the function of the jaw.

BOTOX® is probably best known as a cosmetic treatment for wrinkles; however, it can also be used to treat the symptoms of TMJ disorders. Patients who experience tension headaches due to nighttime teeth clenching and grinding are most likely to experience relief from this treatment.

BOTOX® injections for TMJ relief

Temporomandibular joint disorders cause some people to clench and grind teeth during sleep. This activity puts a large amount of stress on the TMJ. This often causes tension headaches, sore facial muscles and stiff joints. An injection of BOTOX® into the facial muscles can reduce the jaw tension that often triggers grinding and clenching. This treatment works by preventing jaw muscles from being able to perform the unconscious movement of the jaw.

The injections only affect the muscles at the site of injection. Patients do not experience the effects in any other part of the body. The most common injection sites are the temporalis, frontalis and masseter, but other sites may receive injections if required to relieve symptoms.

Benefits

Muscle tenderness, headaches, lockjaw, jaw discomfort, and shoulder and neck pain may begin to diminish shortly after the injection. Though the primary purpose of this treatment is not cosmetic and some patients may not experience any change in appearance, wrinkles at the injection sites may begin to fade 24-48 hours after the procedure and may continue to fade for as much as a week after.

The procedure

BOTOX® injections can be administered in a dentist’s office. The length of the procedure varies, depending on the number of injections that are given, but usually lasts from 10-30 minutes. Some patients experience brief, mild, pain that can be reduced by the use of numbing agents. Results usually last three to six months. Regular treatment is required to maintain results.

Recovery

Most patients can return to normal activities immediately; however, care should be taken to avoid spreading the toxin to other parts of the body. Patients should avoid rubbing or massaging the area around the injection site or lying down for several hours after the procedure. It is also recommended to limit strenuous physical activity for 24 hours.

Side effects

The side effects of botulinum toxin treatment are infrequent and usually mild and short-lived. Patients sometimes experience pain, redness at the injection site, bruising and muscle weakness. The most common symptoms usually resolve within seven days:

• Respiratory infection
• Flu-like symptoms
• Temporary eyelid droop
• Nausea

Limitations

Overuse of BOTOX® injections around the mouth can make chewing and speaking more difficult or result in drooling for some people. Additionally, long-term use may result in the development of antibodies that can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. These treatments are not recommended for people who are pregnant or lactating.

Conclusion

BOTOX® injections can help relieve headaches and other symptoms for some patients with TMJ disorders caused by clenching and grinding teeth. Additionally, the injections may reduce the appearance of wrinkles at the injection sites.

If you or someone you know is experiencing persistent or acute pain in the face or jaw, we invite you to set up a consultation with one of our Orofacial Pain specialists in the NYC metropolitan area. Our office locations and contact information are below.

Thinking about undergoing BOTOX® treatment to address your TMJ problems? Making an appointment with a TMJ specialist is the first step. According to Healthline, BOTOX®may help treat the following TMJ disorder symptoms: jaw tension, headaches due to teeth grinding and lockjaw in cases of severe stress.

About TMJ

Wondering if you should try BOTOX® to address your TMJ symptoms? Many people who have been diagnosed with a TMJ disorder will use over-the-counter or prescribed medications to help them deal with the discomfort and pain associated with TMJ. Some will have their dentist make a custom-made mouthguard for them, as this helps prevents the grinding and clenching that can make TMJ symptoms worse. For those who do not get relief by using one or both of these options, BOTOX® is considered to be the next level of treatment.

About BOTOX®

BOTOX® is a drug that offers many benefits. One of these benefits includes temporarily paralyzing the muscles in and around the jaw joint area. When this drug is used in small doses, it allows TMJ sufferers to experience relief from the discomfort or pain they experience on a daily basis due to their disorder symptoms. BOTOX® is a temporary solution for those diagnosed with TMJ. Patients will need to make an appointment to make sure they are a good candidate to undergo this procedure.

How safe is using BOTOX® to treat TMJ?

Since BOTOX® is a drug, many people wonder how safe it is for them to undergo BOTOX® treatment. Since BOTOX® is approved by the Food and Drug Administration, it is a safe treatment option. While the FDA has deemed BOTOX® to be safe when used to address certain situations, anyone who is interested in this option must understand that BOTOX® injections need to be performed by a trained professional. This makes finding a TMJ specialist a good idea, as they are highly qualified to administer BOTOX® to TMJ patients.

Choosing a trained professional means that patients can expect to be informed of everything they need to know about this treatment for TMJ. This includes understanding where the injections will take place, how many injections they will receive and how long they can undergo BOTOX® injections, as well as understanding what the potential side effects are, e.g., soreness, nausea, etc. It is also important for patients to carefully follow any aftercare instructions when it comes to successfully treating TMJ using BOTOX®.

In need of TMJ treatment?

Thinking that BOTOX® may be the right solution for addressing your TMJ-related problems? Making an appointment with a TMJ specialist is the next step. For those who still have questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at your earliest convenience.

If you are experiencing symptoms like jaw pain and stiffness, TMJ disorder might be the problem. This disorder can have a significant impact on your physical and mental health. The condition generally worsens without treatment. A TMJ specialist is a trained and experienced professional who offers treatment for TMJ disorders. Continue reading to find out why going in for treatment is crucial.

TMJ disorder and the treatment options

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a complex joint that enables the jaw’s range of motion. The joint is one of the most used joints and is therefore prone to issues. Sometimes, the joint’s soft tissues may get inflamed. Aside from repeated usage, stress is another major cause of TMJ disorder. People tend to clench their jaw when feeling nervous or anxious, which only induces more stress on the joints.

The TMJ specialist has different treatment options for the disorder. First, they will have a consultation session and examine the patient’s jaw, then they will recommend the best solution to the issue. The first choice is generally conservative, and patients will continue to visit for progress assessment so the doctor can determine if further care is required. Treatment options include oral splints, medications, stress management, and lifestyle adjustments. Corrective jaw surgery or minimally invasive surgery is only recommended in severe cases.

Reasons to seek TMJ treatment

Treating TMJ disorder is important due to its impact on health and quality of life. Reasons to seek help for the disorder include the following.

Relieve discomfort: Jaw pain is not the only TMJ disorder symptom. It can also result in neck pain, jaw stiffness, chronic headaches, and upper back pain. Jaw pain inhibits normal jaw functions, so activities like eating can become uncomfortable. Getting treatment relieves pain and restores normal functionality.

Minimize risk of dental damage: Bruxism and TMJ disorder are usually related. Teeth grinding can cause the disorder and vice versa. Chronic bruxism can cause enamel deterioration and teeth damage. Treating TMJ disorder may resolve the grinding habit and prevent further damage to the teeth.

Protect ear health: Serious cases of TMJ disorder can cause tinnitus or constant ear ringing. The ringing can disturb hearing and sleeping. While scientists are continuing to research the connection between the two conditions, treating TMJ almost always resolves tinnitus as well.

Improve overall health: TMJ disorder has been associated with many systemic health disorders, including chronic fatigue, sleep apnea, rheumatoid arthritis, dizziness, fibromyalgia, and Meniere’s disease. Also, it is uncertain what the link between these conditions is. However, treating the disorder can be necessary for resolving those health conditions and restoring general wellbeing.

Seek help from the TMJ specialist

TMJ disorder symptoms can have devastating effects on your health. The TMJ specialist will develop a personalized treatment plan to treat the condition and alleviate the accompanying discomfort. If you are suffering from the condition, you need to seek help as soon as you can. This prevents complications and ensures that you can benefit from minimally invasive treatment options.

If you or someone you know is experiencing persistent or acute pain in the face or jaw, we invite you to set up a consultation with one of our Orofacial Pain specialists in the NYC metropolitan area. Our office locations and contact information are below.

TMJ disorder is common in the United States and affects more than three million people annually. One of the more frequent and severe symptoms of TMJ disorder is migraines. Often, treating TMJ disorder is essential for stopping chronic migraines.

TMJ disorder and migraines: is there a connection between the two?

TMJ disorder can put a lot of stress on a person and lead to the onset of migraines. Migraines can hinder a person’s ability to function properly each day, so treating the underlying concern is often essential. The following is a review of how patients are able to find relief through TMJ treatment.

What is TMJ disorder?

TMJ disorder affects the joint that is responsible for the mouth opening and closing, known as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This joint serves as a sliding hinge and may become stiff, sore, or even locked, which can create discomfort in the face and lead to symptoms such as locked jaw and migraines.

How are TMJ disorder and migraines related?

TMJ disorder is not considered a cause of migraines. However, it is often considered a trigger. This is largely due to the physical stress that TMJ disorder places upon the facial muscles. It can lead to a tension headache that can eventually progress into a full-blown migraine. Studies have suggested that many who treat their TMJ disorder see the frequency of their migraines significantly reduce or go away entirely.

How is TMJ disorder treated?

TMJ disorder treatments vary based on the severity and reason for the problem. Self-care and the use of a mouthguard to wear while sleeping may be all that is necessary in some minor instances. Therapies such as biofeedback and some medications may be appropriate as well. In the most severe cases, surgery may be an option.

What are the symptoms of TMJ disorder?

TMJ disorder may look different for everyone who has it. However, some symptoms are more frequently reported. These symptoms include:

• Chronic jaw pain
• Headaches
• Migraines
• Difficulty chewing
• A clicking sound from the jaw
• Locked jaw
• Face and ear pain
• Toothache

Many of these symptoms could be related to alternative oral health concerns, so it is important to visit a TMJ specialist for an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan.

Additional tips for migraine prevention

For many patients, particularly those whose underlying cause of migraines is TMJ disorder, treating TMJ disorder is all that is necessary to relieve the migraines. However, some patients may still experience migraines if there are other causes. To further reduce the risk of migraines, consider keeping a journal of foods and activities to determine potential triggers that may increase the risk of migraines.

Speak with a member of our team about TMJ disorder treatment

Our TMJ specialist can help you put together a treatment plan that not only addresses your migraines but also relieves TMJ disorder, which is often the primary reason for migraines. To learn more about TMJ disorder treatment, contact our team today to schedule a visit.

You may not think much about TMJ disorder unless a dentist diagnoses you with it. This is a serious condition that can cause much pain and discomfort. Untreated, this disorder can make it difficult to chew and even speak. Instead of suffering and being in agony, you can speak to your dentist. Fortunately, relief is available with a few different treatments. Your dentist can look at various options.

A look at TMJ

On both sides of the jaws is a joint called the temporomandibular joint. This sliding hinge-like joint connects the jawbone to the skull. It is critical for any activities that require opening and closing the mouth. Most of the time, people do not even think about using this joint. However, injury, wear and tear, or bad habits can put a strain on the joint, irritating it.

Disorder of this joint can bring excruciating pain to the individual. The feelings can radiate up to the ears and throughout the face. The jaw may even be tender to the touch. This disorder can limit a person’s range of motion in the jaw. It may even cause headaches and interfere with a person’s quality of life.

Diagnosing the disorder

A person can look for the signs and symptoms of TMJ, but a dentist will diagnose it. The dentist will examine the patient and confirm that there are concerns with the joint. First, there will be a series of X-rays to see if there are visible signs of injuries. The dentist will look at the jaw and check the range of motion. It may even help to listen as the patient opens and closes the mouth, as the jaw could make popping or clicking sounds. The dentist will also press on both sides of the jaw and ask the patient how uncomfortable it is.

Medication

Controlling the effects of TMJ is a good first step that the dentist will take. The dentist can prescribe a variety of medications, including pain relievers and anti-inflammatories. Taking muscle relaxants can also help the person feel more comfortable and have an improved range of motion in the jaw. Some dentists may even give the patient an antidepressant, which is sometimes shown to relieve pain and help stop teeth grinding.

Physical therapy

Another approach is to walk the patient through mobility exercises to strengthen the jaw. The dentist can help the patient stretch the jaw muscles and improve flexibility with the joint. The patient should always follow the dentist’s instructions when it comes to these exercises. The dentist may also advise the patient to apply heat and cold packs to the jaw to reduce pain and any swelling.

Surgical options

In more advanced TMJ cases, surgery may be necessary and effective. One approach is a process called arthrocentesis. The dentist will drain the joint of fluid and other materials using small needles. Arthroscopy is another option and is less invasive than open-jaw surgery. However, open-jaw surgery may be the right treatment when other measures have not been successful.

You can find relief

Living with TMJ can be difficult. You should not have to suffer the effects of this disorder. Your dentist can properly diagnose you and provide the right treatment. If you have jaw pain, make a dental appointment today and get the help you need.