Signs of TMJ (jaw joint) problems and how we treat them
The Temporomandibular Joint (jaw joint) can often be damaged in whiplash injuries. Due to our expertise in navigating the car insurance (no-fault) and workers’ compensation processes, Timeless Dentistry cares for the needs of hundreds of patients with various types of orofacial pain or TMJ Dysfunction or Disorders (TMDs) resulting from road or on-the-job accidents every year. However, TMDs are not just associated with traumatic injuries, as we discuss below.
How do I know if my jaw joint is damaged?
TMDs often cause jaw-related pain. However, TMD and other orofacial pain conditions can also manifest as pain or soreness in other parts of the face, head, neck, shoulders, ears, and upper back. In fact, chronic headaches and misdiagnosed “earaches” are among the common concerns that our TMD patients share with us. One of our largest referral sources is an ear, nose and throat specialist who sees patients whose orofacial pain has been misconstrued by other doctors as an ear problem, sometimes getting unnecessary and misguided treatment from other ear doctors for years.
Other symptoms include:
- Difficulty and pain when opening and closing the mouth
- Problems with chewing food comfortably
- Difficulty swallowing
- A ringing or buzzing sound in the ears, called “Tinnitus”
- Dizziness
- Balance problems
- An uncomfortable clicking, popping, or grating sound when moving the jaw
- Frequent headaches, especially in the jaws and front of the head
Why does TMD cause so many problems?
It’s important to understand how TMD originates. The TMJ, or jaw joint, connects the lower jaw to the skull and is supported by soft tissues that link it to other parts of the head and neck. So when it is not functioning properly (or “disordered”), issues inside the TMJ or in the muscles that surround it can cause far-reaching and wide-ranging symptoms. Some patients can have underlying TMJ, postural, or sleep-disordered breathing conditions for decades but feel no symptoms in part because of adaptive activity from surrounding muscles. But as time goes by, these patients are increasingly likely to experience an injury, muscle overuse, or a loss of adaptive capacity, which makes the problem noticeable to the patient. If treated promptly, the resulting muscle issues can often be easily resolved, and the underlying joint condition may need little or no treatment, possibly no more than an orthotic or “bite plate” that reduces stress on your jaw joint and muscles.
Am I at risk of developing TMD?
You may be! Any behaviours or circumstances that result in excessive force, stress, and tension on the joint, muscles, and other tissues of the jaw, face, and neck can lead to TMD and its accompanying pain and symptoms. Of course, this includes acute trauma such as severe blows to the jaw or whiplash injuries. These rapid and forceful movements may stretch or even tear ligaments, displace the jaw’s disc, and strain or spasm muscles. With a sudden injury, this type of pain and disordered movement can occur suddenly. TMD symptoms may also be long-lasting and become increasingly hard to ignore. All of these symptoms may or may not be associated with untreated oral problems.
What are some of the oral problems associated with TMD?
Conditions like untreated bruxism (teeth grinding and jaw clenching) can place considerable stress on the jaw and other tissues that are connected to it. Imbalances or instability with the dynamics of your bite (how the teeth move together when they are touching) can also contribute to stress in the joint and overload these tissues. Even something as seemingly simple as improperly shaped dental work can result in imbalances that ripple effects throughout the mouth, straining muscles and other tissues.
How can you help with my symptoms?
Timeless Dentistry takes a non-surgical approach to alleviating head, neck, and jaw pain, and the other symptoms that you and other patients may be experiencing due to TMD. Our neuromuscular approach is designed to relax the head and neck muscles and to lend support by strengthening the supportive muscles surrounding the affected joints. We generally do so first with an orthotic device (sometimes called a “night guard” or “bite appliance”) This device will be one of many different designs that we custom tailor to your specific muscle, joint, and ligament needs to reduce stress on the jaw, sometimes by acting as a shock absorber and force distributor, and sometimes by repositioning the jaw to a less stressful position. Such repositioning encourages a stable, restful pattern of movement, effectively decreasing pain and improving range of motion and function. More importantly, we help our patients identify lifestyle factors that may be hindering their recovery. From stretches and muscle-release techniques to identifying repetitive stressors and factors that make sleep less restorative, everyone can benefit from lifestyle coaching to speed and deepen their recovery. For example, when we suspect that a TMJ or orofacial pain problem is not fully resolving because of a sleep-breathing problem, we can design and print an orthotic that can even help open your airway to reduce snoring, improve airflow, deepen sleep, and encourage healing. Depending on how you respond to this type of orthotic, we may recommend sleep study testing to evaluate for more serious conditions, such as upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which can shorten your lifespan and healthspan by decades in severe cases. For these patients, we work with a board-certified sleep physician and a board-certified ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT).
We also partner with a physical therapist who comes to our office twice weekly to offer strengthening and range-of-motion exercises to our severely affected TMJ patients. When needed, additional therapies like trigger point therapy, Botox, or occasionally, orthodontics and other forms of dental treatment to correct non-functional bite dynamics can also make a difference.
Without treatment, TMD symptoms only get worse and more frequent. Don’t let these problems cast a long shadow over your life. Call (718) 268-1561 today to schedule your consultation at our Forest Hills, NY office to put the pain and stress of TMD behind you.
Timeless Dentistry is a remarkable practice lead by Dr Paul Springs. Everyone in the practice is warm, friendly and welcoming. I’ve never experienced a practice that’s committed to providing a total dental experience that focuses on an accurate professional diagnosis, personalized care and concern for your comfort & satisfaction. I needed and received implants. Like most I was concerned about pain (which was minimal to nonexistent) and what was the process. Everything was clearly explained and what resulted was a set of beautiful “new teeth” and a smile that has restored my confidence and ability to enjoy the foods my old teeth couldn’t have handled! I can’t stop singing Dr. Paul and his staff’s praises —they are totally AWESOME!! I would highly recommend them if you’re in need of a dental practice. 
