TMJ Symptoms
TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorders) is not a well-known condition, and many people have difficulty recognizing the symptoms. That’s partly because the symptoms of this disorder can be various and may manifest far from their source. Among the common TMJ symptoms to look for are:
- Jaw pain
- Headaches
- Sounds like popping or clicking
- Irregular motion, including lock jaw
- Chipped, broken, crooked, or worn teeth
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Ear pain or fullness
- Neck pain
- Upper back pain
- Tingling or numbness in the fingers
- Sleep apnea
Less commonly, TMJ may manifest with other symptoms. If you have two of the symptoms above and other symptoms not listed here, you may have a TMJ disorder. Please call (585) 244-3337 to ask.
TMJ Diagnosis
Symptoms only tell us that you might have TMJ. To make sure that you have the condition before we start TMJ treatment, we will use a comprehensive approach to diagnosis. First, we will start with a medical history, asking about other potential symptoms as well as conditions that might be similar to TMJ. (TMJ is sometimes called “the great imposter” because it mimics many other conditions.)
Then, we will do a physical exam, including seeing if you have difficulty opening or closing your jaw, along with checking your range of motion. We will feel the joint and jaw muscles to see if we can figure out what’s going on. We will identify facial pain, the motion of your jaw, and other aspects of TMJ. We may then perform a treatment with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), a kind of electric massage that can relax jaw muscles and make it easier to diagnose TMJ. Save
Then, we will perform a number of diagnostic tests to determine the extent of TMJ. Computerized jaw tracking will let us figure out exactly how it is moving so that we can identify the exact problems with the motion. Then, we will listen to the jaw joint to try to correlate the sound with the motion. Amplified sound will give us more information about what’s going on in the joint itself, including whether there’s likely any grinding of bone.
To confirm the state of your bones, we can use a cone beam CT scan, which gives us detailed 3D pictures of your bones. Once we know how far along your TMJ has developed, we can recommend a TMJ treatment plan appropriate to your condition.
TMJ Treatment Options
There are many different options for TMJ treatment to help relieve chronic pain. As with other approaches, we like to begin with the least invasive treatment options. For some people, TMJ treatment may consist of periodic use of the TENS machine. By keeping this joint relaxed, we can avoid the muscle tension that causes many orofacial TMJ pain and headaches. It will also protect your teeth and restorations from damage.
But for some people, just TENS treatments won’t keep them relaxed. You might need an oral splint, night guard/mouth guard to help hold your jaw in a more relaxed position. This keeps your jaw muscles from developing tension, and should resolve most, if not all, of your TMJ symptoms. You will probably start out wearing the splint all day, but later may only need to wear it at night.
Some people like the results they get from TMJ treatment with a splint, but not the splint itself. They want to use dental restorations to help achieve a stable, comfortable bite. This is a TMJ treatment option we will discuss after we have proven results with your bite splint.
In some cases, physical therapy and even surgery might be recommended as a TMJ treatment after all other options have been exhausted. TMJ surgery is not recommended as a frontline treatment.
To learn whether you could benefit from TMJ treatment in Rochester, please call (585) 244-3337 or email us for an appointment at Contemporary Dentistry today.
Additional Sleep Treatments We Offer
Sleep Apnea Treatment
To effectively treat sleep apnea, we focus on keeping your airway open by providing crucial support to the soft tissues that can collapse during sleep. Your jaw serves as the primary bony support for much of your upper airway, and we harness this natural anatomy through mandibular advancement devices (MADs)—the most common and effective type of oral appliance for sleep apnea. By gently moving your jaw forward, these custom devices utilize your jaw’s structural support to maintain an open airway throughout the night, offering a comfortable alternative to CPAP machines that many patients find difficult to tolerate.
Snoring Treatment
While some cases of snoring can be managed with lifestyle changes like adjusting your sleep position or avoiding alcohol before bed, persistent snoring often requires professional intervention, especially if you experience high blood pressure, daytime sleepiness, or have been told you stop breathing during sleep. We understand that home remedies like nasal strips or eliminating allergens don’t always provide the lasting relief you need, which is why we offer comprehensive snoring evaluations to get to the root of your problem. Our approach to snoring treatment involves carefully assessing your jaw position and airway structure to determine whether a custom oral appliance will effectively reduce or eliminate your snoring. These personalized devices work by gently repositioning your jaw to maintain optimal airway space, providing a comfortable and effective solution that doesn’t rely on bulky equipment or temporary fixes.
If you suspect you have one of these sleep issues, take the first step toward quieter, more restful nights by contacting Contemporary Dentistry at (585) 270-6808.
Rest Easier By Simply Contacting Contemporary Dentistry
You don’t have to accept another night of poor sleep. Our Rochester dentists are the best choice for TMJ treatment because of their complete understanding of the human jaw and tooth alignment. Call us today at (585) 270-6808 or submit an online form to schedule your comprehensive sleep evaluation and discover how dental sleep medicine can transform your nights and improve your days. Your journey to better sleep now.
