When your bite, jaw muscles, and joints do not work harmoniously, it can lead to TMD, a temporomandibular joint disorder. This can be caused by a traumatic jaw injury or occlusal habits, such as grinding or clenching. Unfortunately, there is no recognized specialty for TMJ, so there’s no such thing as a “TMJ dentist.” Most dentists who treat TMJ disorders are licensed as general dentists. Dr. Trace Bridges has been actively treating TMJ disorders for years and uses a variety of methods of TMJ treatment in Tulsa, OK.
TMJ treatments are integral to restorative dental care. Restoring comfort to the TMJ can also renew the full function and health of the teeth and surrounding structures.
Common Causes and Signs of TMJ Disorders
TMJ disorders occur due to stress and pressure on the temporomandibular joints. These joints lie on either side of the face and connect the jaw bone to the skull. The TMJ acts as sliding hinges that aid in biting and chewing function. An injury, pressure, or stress to these joints creates TMJ disorders.
Some of the most common signs of TMJ disorders can include:
- Regular headaches or migraines
- Worn, chipped, or cracked teeth
- Teeth clenching and grinding
- Unexplained loose teeth
- Clicking or grinding sound in your jaw joints
- Pain or pressure in your joints
- Limited movement of your jaw
- Ringing in your ears
Please get in touch with our office if you begin to notice any of these symptoms. We will examine your smile and jaw to determine if you have a TMJ disorder.
TMJ Treatment in Tulsa, OK
Dr. Bridges prefers to start with the least invasive TMD treatments first. The treatment objective is usually to relieve the pain associated with the jaw joint disorder.
Oral Appliance
Sometimes, wearing a simple oral mandibular device can address TMD. We provide custom-made nightguards to protect teeth and stop tooth wear. In our office, we will take dental impressions of your teeth to ensure the oral appliance fits comfortably.
A TMJ mouthguard gently moves your bite into a proper, healthy position. It also allows your joint to move correctly. An oral appliance, especially worn during sleep, prevents tooth pain and wear from continual teeth clenching and grinding.
Botox
Another option is using botulinum injections or Botox to relax the hyperactive muscles of mastication. Sometimes, it is necessary to use combination therapy. Botox is a neurotoxin that temporarily freezes the facial muscles. Injecting Botox into facial muscles can reduce chronic headaches, jaw pain, and facial pain.
No matter the treatment, Dr. Bridges has seen a significant success rate with his patients. Over 90% of TMJ disorder patients have reported relief from the pain they’ve been experiencing with professional treatment.
Restorative and Cosmetic Treatments
Worn, crooked, and damaged teeth can contribute to TMJ disorders. When you have an unbalanced bite, it puts more pressure on your TMJ and facial muscles. Sometimes, creating an even bite or a straighter smile with these treatments can reduce strain on the teeth and jaw:
- Invisalign: These clear aligners realign crooked teeth into a straighter position. We recommend Invisalign over metal braces because it offers quick, comfortable treatment.
- Bonding: Tooth bonding uses tooth-colored resin to add to chipped and cracked teeth. Bonding offers more economical treatment than other treatments like veneers or crowns.
- Crowns: We recommend crowns if you have worn or fractured teeth. A crown is a tooth-colored cap that covers and adds structure to the tooth.
How to Treat TMJ Pain At Home
In addition to in-office care, we recommend at-home treatments to help relieve TMJ pain:
- Jaw Exercises: One of the best ways to reduce headaches and jaw pain is jaw exercises. When you notice yourself clenching your jaw, you can learn the best techniques to relax your jaw. One method is to place the tip of the tongue on the roof of the mouth behind the front teeth. Then, slowly open and close your mouth. You can also learn additional jaw exercises at physical therapy.
- Ice Packs and Heating Pads: We recommend icing your joints and muscles if you have new TMJ pain. Ice can effectively reduce inflammation. If you have experienced chronic TMJ issues, use a heating pad on the outside of the jaw. Heat helps improve blood circulation and soothe the joints.
- Soft Food Diet: We may recommend a soft diet at the beginning of your TMJ treatment. Sticking to a soft diet for several weeks relieves jaw pressure and tension. Avoid chips, pizza crusts, nuts, and other hard and crunchy foods as you receive treatment.
Most of the time, at-home care is not enough to fully address TMJ disorders. Contact a professional if you have chronic tooth and jaw pain and experience morning headaches.
What Causes TMJ Flare-Ups?
Symptoms of TMJ disorders can flare up for several reasons. Eating hard foods, increased stress levels, and even poor posture can trigger TMJ symptoms. Eating hard and crunchy foods requires more pressure from your teeth and jaw to bite and chew. This increased pressure can lead to jaw and tooth pain. Cutting foods into smaller pieces or eating softer foods can help relieve this pain as you receive treatment.
If you have increased daily stressors, it can be harder to treat your TMJ flare-up. However, relaxation techniques, including breathing and jaw exercises, can help relieve stress.
You may also not realize that poor posture can worsen TMJ symptoms. If you notice you have hunched-up shoulders or constantly look down at a screen all day, improving your posture can improve your symptoms. Poor posture can strain your muscles and joints. Moving your shoulders back and getting into the habit of working on an elevated screen can reduce chronic TMJ pain.
TMJ Treatment FAQs
Learn more about TMJ treatment in Tulsa, OK, with answers to these commonly asked questions:
Can medication treat TMJ disorders?
Yes, in addition to other treatments, medication can treat pain from TMD. Your doctor can prescribe medication to relieve TMJ symptoms like headaches and facial pain. Pain medication, anti-inflammatory medication, and muscle relaxants are common medications recommended for TMJ patients.
Do I need a physical therapist for TMJ disorders?
Sometimes, we will recommend physical therapy for TMJ patients. Physical therapy is a great addition to oral appliance therapy or Botox treatments.
You will learn exercises and techniques from a physical therapist during physical therapy. Your therapist will help you improve your posture and learn exercises for your upper body and face. They will also apply heat and use massage to treat tense muscles. Physical therapy will help you address joint and muscle pain.
Can TMJ treatment help with jaw popping or clicking?
Yes, TMJ treatment can help with jaw popping or clicking. When you have a TMJ disorder, the jaw joint may not work properly, causing these sounds. Treatment can help reduce or stop the popping or clicking by addressing the underlying issues, such as muscle tension, misalignment, or inflammation.
This might include wearing a night guard to prevent teeth grinding, doing exercises to relax the jaw muscles, or using other therapies to improve how the joint functions. If you’re experiencing jaw popping, a dentist or doctor can help recommend the right treatment for you.
Can diet help treat TMJ?
Yes, your diet can play a role in treating TMJ. Eating softer foods can help reduce stress on your jaw and prevent further pain or irritation. Foods like mashed potatoes, smoothies, and yogurt are easier to chew and can give your jaw a break. Avoiding chewy, hard, or crunchy foods like raw vegetables, tough meat, or ice can help prevent aggravating TMJ symptoms.
Can exercises help reduce TMJ discomfort?
Yes. Some common exercises for TMJ include gently opening and closing your mouth, moving your jaw side to side, and massaging the jaw muscles. These exercises can help relax the muscles and reduce tension in the jaw. Do these exercises slowly and carefully to avoid causing more pain.
What happens if you don’t treat TMJ?
If you don’t treat TMJ, the problem can get worse over time. You might have more pain in your jaw, face, or neck, and it can become harder to open or close your mouth.
Sometimes, untreated TMJ can lead to headaches or even cause problems with your teeth from grinding. The muscles around your jaw may also become tense and cause discomfort. Seeking treatment can help reduce pain and improve your jaw’s function before these issues worsen.
Can stress contribute to TMJ disorders?
Yes, stress can contribute to TMJ disorders. When you’re stressed, you might clench your jaw or grind your teeth without even realizing it, especially while sleeping. This can put pressure on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and lead to pain, clicking sounds, or difficulty moving your jaw. Managing stress through relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and regular exercise can help reduce these symptoms and protect your TMJ.
What lifestyle changes can help manage TMJ symptoms?
Several lifestyle changes can help manage TMJ symptoms. Here are a few:
- Avoid Jaw Strain: Don’t chew on hard foods, gum, or ice, as this can stress the jaw.
- Relaxation Techniques: Practice deep breathing, yoga, or meditation to reduce stress.
- Good Posture: Make sure to sit and stand up straight, especially while you work or use your phone.
- Jaw Exercises: Gentle exercises recommended by a dentist or physical therapist can strengthen and stretch the jaw muscles.
- Use Heat or Cold Packs: Applying a warm compress to your jaw can relax the muscles, while a cold compress can help with inflammation and pain.
Call Our Tulsa Dental Office Today
If you suspect you are suffering from TMJ disorder, contact our Tulsa, OK, dental office. Request a dental appointment with us on our website. You can also call Hope Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry for care today at 918-347-1114.
Please let us know if you have any questions about TMJ treatment or TMJ disorders. We’re here to help you.