What Does A TMJ Specialist Do?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) acts as a hinge that connects your upper and lower jaw to your skull. When these joints begin to malfunction, the result can be TMJ disorder — a type of condition that causes pain and discomfort throughout the jaw and surrounding muscles.

What causes TMJ disorder varies from person to person, with the most common contributing factors being genetics, arthritis, jaw injury, and/or clenching or grinding of the teeth.

In most cases, the pain caused by TMJ disorders is temporary and can usually be cured under the care of a specialist. The most common treatment methods are self-managed care and other nonsurgical procedures; however, surgery may be needed in rare and severe cases.

The signs and symptoms associated with TMJ dysfunction are:

• Pain or tenderness in and around your jaw.
• Pain in your jaw points.
• Aching or radiating discomfort in and around your ear(s).
• Difficulty chewing.
• Pain while chewing.
• Aching facial pain.
• Locking of the jaw joints.
• Difficulty opening your mouth.
• Clicking sound when chewing.
• Grating sensation when opening your mouth.

You may experience only one of these symptoms or you may experience them in combination with each other. The severity of symptoms will vary from person to person, however, it’s important to seek medical care as soon as possible to prevent the condition from worsening.

The cause of TMJ dysfunction varies from person to person and the cause isn’t always clear, even after a thorough examination.
However, the most common contributing factors responsible for TMJ are genetics, arthritis, jaw injury, and/or clenching or grinding of the teeth.

A TMJ specialist will provide you with the high-level care you need to assess your condition and pinpoint what may be causing and/or aggravating it.

TMJ treatment typically begins with a thorough assessment of the interior and exterior of the mouth and jaw, which may include X-rays for more visual insight. This helps to determine if there has been an injury to the jaw or if the discomfort is being caused by another issue.

From there, your specialist will provide you with some treatment options aimed to help you manage your pain and alleviate symptoms. This may include:

• A self-care regimen of soft foods
• Over-the-counter medications
• A warm compress to relieve pain and swelling
• Mouth guards
• Joint injections
• Arthrocentesis
• Arthroscopic surgery
• Modified condylotomy
• Open joint surgery

A TMJ specialist has many weapons in their treatment arsenal, making them the preferred option for patients that are suffering from chronic or acute TMJ. They will also work closely with a patient’s primary care physician to identify potential triggers and come up with a specialized treatment plan that fits their unique needs.

TMJ dysfunction is a very painful condition that can be disruptive to your day-to-day life and hinder your ability to participate in it fully. At Selective Dental, we provide the high-level care you need to get back to feeling your best. For more information about our TMJ treatment options, or for any questions that you may have, contact us today. Or, if you’re ready to book in with one of our specialists, you can do so online. We serve patients from all over Santa Clara County CA: San Jose, Milpitas, Santa Clara, Campbell, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Saratoga, Los Gatos, and beyond!