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Home » Blog » TMJ Disorders: Symptoms, Causes, and Effective Treatments

TMJ Disorders: Symptoms, Causes, and Effective Treatments

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) plays a vital role in your everyday life, allowing you to chew, speak, and move your jaw. However, when this joint becomes dysfunctional, it can cause pain and discomfort, affecting your quality of life. TMJ disorders (TMD) can lead to jaw pain, headaches, and even difficulty eating or speaking. At Lisa Siddall, DDS, in Lake Leelanau, MI, we offer effective treatments to help relieve TMJ-related pain and restore your jaw’s function.

In this article, we’ll explore the symptoms and causes of TMJ disorders and discuss the treatments available to help you find relief.

Individual results may vary. The information provided is based on our professional experience and patient feedback.

What Is TMJ Disorder?

TMJ disorder, or TMD, refers to a group of conditions that affect the temporomandibular joint, the hinge-like joint that connects your jawbone to your skull. When this joint isn’t functioning properly, it can cause discomfort in the jaw, face, neck, and even shoulders.

Common symptoms of TMJ disorder include:

  • Jaw pain or tenderness
  • Clicking or popping sounds when opening the mouth
  • Difficulty or pain while chewing
  • Jaw locking, making it difficult to open or close your mouth
  • Headaches or migraines
  • Ear pain or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
  • Facial pain or swelling

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek evaluation and treatment to prevent further complications and alleviate discomfort.

The Importance of Proper Diagnosis

There are several causes of jaw pain, and it is essential to properly diagnose the specific source of the pain to target treatment effectively. At Lisa Siddall, DDS, we use advanced diagnostic techniques to determine whether your pain originates from the joint itself or the surrounding muscles, as the treatment approaches differ significantly.

Dr. Siddall participated in TMJ disorder research during her studies at the University of Michigan and is a published co-author of several journal articles, bringing specialized knowledge to our approach to TMJ treatment.

Types and Causes of TMJ Disorder

TMJ disorders can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

1. Muscular TMJ Disorders (Most Common)

Most TMJ pain is muscular in origin. The pain does not originate in the jaw joint itself, but rather in the muscles that control jaw movement. Our team has effective methods for determining the source of pain, along with many potential TMJ treatments for these muscle-related issues.

Potential causes of muscular TMJ disorders include:

  • Poor occlusion: The way teeth fit together during biting down and grinding side to side or front to back can place strain on jaw muscles.
  • Sleep-disordered breathing: Low oxygen levels at night can lead to teeth grinding and jaw tension.
  • Certain medications: Some medications may cause teeth grinding as a side effect.
  • Stress and poor habits: Chronic stress can lead to jaw clenching and muscle tension.

2. Joint-Related TMJ Disorders (Rare but More Serious)

True joint pain is rare but typically more serious than muscular TMJ disorders. It can be caused by:

  • Trauma: An injury to the jaw, head, or neck can damage the joint
  • Arthritis: Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the TMJ
  • Inflammation or infection: These can cause pain and restricted movement in the joint
  • Disk displacement: The cushioning disk within the joint can become misaligned

To accurately diagnose joint-related TMJ disorders, MRI and CT imaging may be necessary due to the complex nature and seriousness of these conditions.

Effective TMJ Treatment Options

At Lisa Siddall, DDS, we take a wellness approach to treating TMJ disorder, focusing on non-invasive and personalized treatments that address both the symptoms and underlying causes. Our treatment recommendations are based on the specific diagnosis of your condition.

Treatments for Muscular TMJ Disorders

  1. Bite Adjustment: Carefully adjusting how your teeth come together can help relieve muscle tension and pain by creating a more harmonious relationship between your jaw muscles and teeth.
  2. Custom-Made Oral Appliances: Custom-fitted bite splints or night guards can prevent grinding and clenching while repositioning the jaw to reduce muscle strain. These appliances are designed specifically for your mouth based on digital impressions for optimal comfort and effectiveness.
  3. Orthodontic Treatment: When TMJ disorder is caused by a misaligned bite, orthodontic solutions like braces or clear aligners may help correct the underlying issue and provide long-term relief.
  4. Muscle Relaxation Techniques: In some cases, medications or targeted Botox® treatments may be recommended to help relax the jaw muscles and provide relief from chronic tension and pain.
  5. Sleep Apnea Treatment: If sleep-disordered breathing is contributing to your TMJ issues, dental appliances or CPAP therapy may be recommended to improve breathing and reduce nighttime grinding.
  6. Physical Therapy: Specific exercises and techniques can help strengthen and relax the muscles surrounding the TMJ, improving function and reducing pain.

Treatments for Joint-Related TMJ Disorders

  1. Laser Therapy: Therapeutic laser treatments can help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and promote healing in the TMJ area.
  2. Anti-inflammatory Approaches: These may include medications or targeted steroid treatments to reduce joint inflammation and pain.
  3. Neural Treatments: These specialized treatments help address nerve-related pain components of TMJ disorders.
  4. PRP and Stem Cell Treatments: Advanced regenerative medicine approaches may help promote the healing of damaged joint tissues in certain cases.
  5. Comprehensive Bite Splint Therapy: Custom oral appliances can help reposition the jaw and allow the joint to heal while preventing further damage.

TMJ Treatment in Lake Leelanau, MI

At Lisa Siddall, DDS, we are committed to providing personalized, wellness dental care to our patients suffering from TMJ disorders. Our approach focuses on relieving your symptoms while addressing the root cause of the problem to help prevent further issues.

Whether you’re experiencing mild discomfort or severe jaw pain, Dr. Lisa Siddall and Dr. Austin Dunn will work with you to create a customized treatment plan that fits your needs and helps restore your quality of life.

Schedule Your TMJ Evaluation Today

If you’re experiencing symptoms of TMJ disorder, don’t wait to seek treatment. At Lisa Siddall, DDS, we offer compassionate, expert care to help you find relief and regain comfort in your daily life. Contact our office today to schedule your TMJ evaluation and begin your journey of relief from TMJ pain.

Disclaimer: The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

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