TMJ disorder is a chronic pain condition that afflicts the temporomandibular joint. While there is no one cause or fix-all treatment for TMJ, restorative dentist Dr. Georgia Haddad is highly trained and experienced in bite analysis to help pinpoint a patient’s unique cause of discomfort. Beach Cities Dental Group can provide you with effective TMJ treatment in Oxnard, CA to help you find relief from your TMJ symptoms.
How TMJ Disorder Develops
A multitude of factors typically causes TMJ disorder and can rarely be attributed to a single condition or event. However, teeth grinding, or bruxism, is a common contributing factor. This habitual grinding of the teeth or clenching of the jaw places a large amount of stress on the jaw joints. Bruxism can wear down the cartilage in the joint and create misalignment.
Some patients also experience chronic jaw pain due to crooked teeth or a misaligned bite.
Injuries to the face or mouth area can also contribute to TMJ disorder. While some injuries directly harm the TMJ, others set into motion various conditions that will eventually lead to chronic pain and issues with the TMJ.
Patients who suffer from arthritis can develop TMJ disorder. Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can harm the jaw joints and affect the health and performance of the temporomandibular joint.
Lifestyle habits and factors also contribute to this disorder. Poor posture in the neck and upper back area can affect jaw alignment. Also, chronic stress will cause muscle tension around the jaw, which can easily lead to issues with TMJ.
Signs and Symptoms of TMJ
TMJ disorder can manifest due to many factors. Knowing the signs and symptoms can help you seek treatment right away and minimize the damage it causes. There are many TMJ symptoms that can be confused with other conditions. However, if you suffer from some or a majority of these signs of TMJ, you should book an appointment where a trained professional can examine your jaw and teeth. Common signs and symptoms of TMJ disorder include:
- Headaches
- Sinus pain
- Jaw and neck pain
- Ear pain
- Difficulty opening and closing the jaw
- Clicking or popping of the jaw
- Locked jaw
- Excessively worn teeth
- Grinding or clenching of the jaw
How Does TMJ Disorder Affect My Health
Left untreated, patients with TMJ may experience damage to their teeth and gums associated with the effects of TMJ. Many patients with TMJ grind or clench their teeth causing excessive wear and potential chips or cracks. These initially minor dental concerns could progress and lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and even tooth loss.
Patients with TMJ often experience chronic headaches and facial pain that can begin to interfere with the quality of their lives. Treating TMJ can help protect the health of the teeth and gums as well as relieve chronic headaches and pain.
TMJ Therapy: What to Expect
Dr. Georgia Haddad provides comprehensive and personalized diagnosis and treatment for patients suffering from TMJ pain.
Beach Cities Dental Group utilizes the latest advancements in technology and techniques to identify the underlying problem causing the bite disorder. Dr. Haddad aims to alleviate the symptoms of TMJ by addressing and correcting the cause of the problem.
TMJ Treatment Options
- Oral Sleep Device: For patients who grind or clench their teeth Dr. Haddad may recommend an oral sleep appliance. An OSA is similar to a sports mouthguard. Made of hard soft plastic the device is discreet and comfortable to wear. We custom-fit the OSA to your teeth for a secure fit. You wear the device during sleep to prevent the jaw from grinding and to protect the teeth and gums from further damage.
- Invisalign & Orthodontics: For patients who have TMJ symptoms due to crooked or misaligned teeth Dr. Haddad may recommend Invisalign or Orthodontics to straighten teeth. Many patients find relief from their TMJ once their bite has been realigned. Dr. Haddad offers all-inclusive in-house Orthodontic and Invisalign treatments.
- Cosmetic Dentistry: Some patients have a minor misalignment of the teeth that can be corrected with cosmetic dental treatments. Dental veneers, dental crowns, and bonding can be used for the correction of minor misalignment.
TMJ Therapy FAQs
If you are curious about TMJ treatment, we encourage you to start here. Read through our frequently asked questions section to learn more about the condition and how we can help you. If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact our office.
Am I at risk for TMJ?
Technically, anyone can develop a TMJ disorder. You’re at a higher risk if you’re older, especially if you’ve already developed arthritis. Women are more likely to develop it than men, and your genetics may also come into play. If you’ve had a jaw injury, a history of grinding your teeth, or chronic pain, you’re at a higher risk, too.
Is my TMJ disorder a medical problem or a dental problem?
Technically, it’s both. In some instances, we’ll work directly with your doctor to figure out the best solution for you. Deeper problems like connective tissue diseases or arthritis need to be treated by a medical professional. We provide solutions targeted at alleviating the symptoms of TMJ disorders specifically.
Does TMJ show up on an x-ray?
If there are issues with the bone, we’ll be able to see that on an x-ray. But if there are issues with connective tissues or cartilage, these things don’t show up on x-rays. X-rays provide an incomplete picture when it comes to TMJ diagnosis.
Can my TMJ get worse without treatment?
Yes. The longer it goes untreated, the more severe your symptoms will become. What may have begun as slight discomfort can lead to severe pain and mobility issues with the jaw joint. As soon as you suspect there may be an issue, call our office to schedule an appointment.
Can you permanently cure TMJ?
For mild to moderate cases, you should be able to fully reverse TMJ. It takes time and dedication to treatment techniques. In severe cases, the degradation of the jaw may be too great. In these cases, we can help you manage the symptoms as much as possible.
Do I need surgery for my TMJ?
In the most severe cases, surgery may be needed for complete treatment. We’ll try other conservative options to manage the condition before recommending surgical intervention.
Schedule an Appointment for TMJ Treatment in Oxnard, CA
The therapy we offer aims to alleviate symptoms and jaw pain derived from TMJ disorder. We also focus on returning your jaw functionality to normal. Beach Cities Dental Group will analyze your entire mouth and look for any underlying causes of TMJ. You will receive a personalized approach to your TMJ treatment in Allen, TX. Request an appointment online to get started with your TMJ therapy.