Service description

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, the name for each joint (right and left) that connects your jaw to your skull. TMJ disorders are a family of problems related to your jaw joint. Symptoms occur when the joints of the jaw and the chewing muscles do not work together correctly. Since some TMJ problems can lead to more serious conditions, early detection and treatment are important.

TROUBLE WITH YOUR JAW?

TMJ disorders develop for many reasons. You might clench or grind your teeth, tightening your jaw muscles and stressing your TM joint. You may have a damaged jaw joint due to injury or disease. Injuries and arthritis can damage the joint, stretch, or tear muscle ligaments. As a result, the disk, made of cartilage and functions as the “cushion” of the jaw joint, can slip out of position. Whatever the cause, the results may include a misaligned bite, pain, clicking, or grating noise when you open your mouth, or trouble opening your mouth wide.

TREATMENT

There are various treatment options that Dr. Tien can utilize to improve the harmony and function of your jaw. Once an evaluation confirms a diagnosis of TMJ disorder, Dr. Tien will determine the proper course of treatment. It is important to note that treatment always works best with a team approach of self-care combined with professional care. The initial goals are to relieve muscle spasms and joint pain. This is usually accomplished with a pain reliever, antiinflammatory, or muscle relaxant. Steroids can be injected directly into the joints to reduce pain and inflammation. Selfcare treatments can often be effective as well and include: • Resting your jaw • Keeping your teeth apart when you are not swallowing or eating • Eating soft foods • Applying ice and heat • Exercising your jaw • Practicing good posture Stress management techniques such as biofeedback or physical therapy may also be recommended, as well as a temporary, clear plastic appliance known as a splint. A splint (or nightguard) fits over your top or bottom teeth and helps keep your teeth apart, thereby relaxing the muscles and reducing pain. There are different types of appliances used for various purposes. A nightguard helps you stop clenching or grinding your teeth and reduces muscle tension at night. It also helps to protect the cartilage and joint surfaces. An anterior positioning appliance moves your jaw forward, relieves pressure on parts of your jaw, and aids disk repositioning. You may wear it 24 hours a day to help your jaw heal. An orthotic stabilization appliance is worn 24 hours a day, or just at night, to move your jaw into the proper position. Appliances also help protect tooth wear.

WHAT ABOUT BITE CORRECTION OR SURGERY?

If your TMJ disorder has caused problems with how your teeth fit together, you may need treatment such as bite adjustment (equilibration), orthodontics with or without jaw reconstruction, or restorative dental work. Surgical options, such as arthroscopy and open joint repair restructuring, are sometimes needed but are reserved for severe cases. Dr. Tien does not consider TMJ surgery unless the jaw can’t open, is dislocated and non-reducible, has severe degeneration, or the patient has undergone appliance treatment unsuccessfully.