TMJ and TMD care in Springfield
Relief for jaw pain starts with the cause.
Clicking, popping, or a sore jaw can point to a problem with your jaw joint. Your dentist can look for the cause and talk with you about treatment options.
What is TMJ disorder?
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, the hinge that attaches your lower jaw to your skull. It lets your jaw move forward, backward, and side to side. When the ligaments, muscles, bones, or discs of this joint are not working correctly, the problem is called TMD, or temporomandibular joint disorder. Many people simply call it TMJ.
TMD can be temporary or last for several years, and it can affect one or both sides of the face. Some people do not realize it is a real problem and assume their pain is normal. Without treatment, the pain may not go away.
Common signs and causes
Signs of TMD include pain in the jaw, face, ears, neck, or shoulders; headaches; clicking or popping when you open or close your mouth; a jaw that locks or gets stuck; trouble biting or chewing; ringing in the ears; and a sudden change in the way your upper and lower teeth fit together.
There is no single known cause, but several things can contribute. These include an injury to the jaw, head, or neck, such as whiplash; grinding or clenching your teeth; movement of the cushioning disc in the joint; arthritis; and stress that leads you to clench your jaw.
TMD can be hard to diagnose because other problems can cause similar symptoms. A complete diagnosis involves a dental exam, x-rays, and a review of your dental and medical history. Left untreated, grinding and a misaligned bite can lead to uneven wear on your teeth, or even broken teeth.
How TMJ is treated
Treatment depends on what is causing your symptoms. If grinding or clenching is the cause, your dentist may recommend a night guard to wear while you sleep, which can help protect your teeth. In that case, the pain may begin to ease after a few weeks.
Other options may include an oral appliance worn at night to help hold your jaw in proper alignment. If uneven or misaligned teeth are part of the problem, braces or dental crowns may help. Surgery is needed only in rare, severe cases.
If stress seems to be behind your symptoms, learning ways to relax can help ease the tension in your jaw.
Easing jaw pain at home
TMJ pain does not go away overnight, even with treatment. Moist heat or a heating pad on your jaw may help when it hurts. If heat does not help, try an ice pack to ease swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers may also help.
When your jaw is sore, choose soft foods such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, cooked vegetables, smoothies, and soup, and avoid chewy or hard foods like steak, corn, and hard chips. Cutting back on caffeine may help if it leads you to grind your teeth.
Find something each day that helps you unwind, such as exercise or a hobby, and consider counseling if stress is hard to manage. If you play contact sports, a mouth guard can protect your teeth and help keep you from clenching.
Is this right for me?
TMJ treatment may be a good fit if you:
- Have pain in your jaw, face, ears, neck, or shoulders
- Hear clicking or popping when you open or close your mouth
- Have a jaw that locks or gets stuck
- Have headaches or ringing in your ears
- Grind or clench your teeth
- Have pain or trouble when you bite or chew
What to expect
Your visit, step by step.
- A complete dental exam, including a close look at your jaw and mouth.
- X-rays, and a review of your dental and medical history.
- A treatment plan based on what seems to be causing your symptoms.
- Treatment that may include a night guard or another oral appliance worn while you sleep.
- Tips for easing jaw pain at home while your treatment takes effect.
Questions we hear
TMJ treatment FAQs
What causes TMJ disorder?
There is no single known cause. Jaw, head, or neck injuries, grinding or clenching your teeth, movement of the disc in the joint, arthritis, and stress can all contribute.
Will a night guard help my TMJ pain?
If grinding or clenching is behind your symptoms, a night guard worn while you sleep can help protect your teeth, and the pain may begin to ease after a few weeks. Your dentist will recommend treatment based on the cause.
Will TMJ go away on its own?
TMD can be temporary, but it can also last for several years, and the pain may not go away without treatment. If you have symptoms, an exam is a good first step.
What can I do at home for jaw pain?
Try moist heat or a heating pad, or an ice pack to ease swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help. Stick to soft foods when your jaw is sore, and find daily ways to manage stress.
Will I need surgery?
Surgery is rare and is needed only for severe cases. Many patients are treated with a night guard, an oral appliance, or other options based on the cause of their symptoms.
Ready when you are
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New patients are welcome. Call us or send a request, and we will help you take the next comfortable step.
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