Can TMJ Disorder be Cured?

TMJ disorders are a broad group of conditions affecting a complex jaw joint and the muscles responsible for its operation. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), is situated at the skull’s base and facilitates essential actions like chewing and speaking.
 
TMJ disorders specifically afflict this joint, and they manifest in a spectrum of potential symptoms, each of which can prompt varying degrees of discomfort and pain, ranging from mild to severe.
 
The type and degree of symptoms of TMJ disorders are contingent upon the condition’s root cause and its intensity. Among the most prevalent indications of TMJ disorders is the presence of pain localized in the jaw and the adjacent muscles.
 
This discomfort may stem from either the joints themselves or the surrounding muscles and can vary in intensity. In certain cases, TMJ disorders can result in restricted jaw movement, hindering the ability to fully open the mouth or maneuver the jaw in specific directions.
 
This limitation can give rise to substantial discomfort in daily activities. Additionally, some individuals experiencing TMJ disorders may notice the occurrence of clicking, popping, or a grating sound originating from the TMJ when they open or close their mouths. Other symptoms that may accompany this condition include earaches, headaches, shoulder and neck pain, teeth misalignment, and more.

There is no clear main cause of TMJ disorder, it may arise from one of or a series of factors. Injuries to the jaw or the joint due to trauma can be contributory in some cases.
 
Additionally, overexertion of the jaw joints and associated muscles, often associated with teeth grinding, may lead to TMJ disorder. TMJ pain can also be linked to different forms of arthritis, including but not limited to osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as the displacement of the joint’s discs.
 
Beyond these factors, certain underlying health conditions can further influence the development of TMJ disorders. Imbalance of the spine can also influence the development of TMJ disorder. Genetic factors, hormonal fluctuations, and environmental influences may also be responsible for the development of TMJ disorders.

TMJ disorder is a highly complex disorder that demands treatment by an experienced dentist. A skilled dentist possesses the expertise to identify the underlying origins of your disorder, even those symptoms that might not initially appear related to the symptoms.
 
Following a comprehensive evaluation and imaging tests as needed, your dentist can propose a tailored treatment strategy to alleviate your TMJ symptoms.
 
At Selective Dental, Dr. Victoria Vuong and Dr. Henry Chang collaborate closely with patients to devise a personalized treatment plan, meticulously addressing their distinct requirements and tackling the root causes of their symptoms. This approach aims to effectively manage pain and alleviate the various symptoms associated with TMJ disorder.

TMJ disorder is not an irreversible condition and can be cured, however, given the myriad of potential causes treated; TMJ will depend on the underlying condition.
 
Some interventions can be fairly simple, for instance, when TMJ is caused by teeth grinding, taking the appropriate steps to address this behavior can cure mild to moderate cases.
 
Dietary changes and exercising caution about putting undue pressure on the affected area are often other helpful steps. Some mild cases of TMJ can even go away on their own. In other instances where TMJ is caused by a condition such as arthritis, the focus may shift to the management of symptoms to help patients live a life unburdened by TMJ disorder.
 
Custom-made splints and physical therapies are other treatment options that may be utilized in the management of this condition. In severe cases, TMJ may even necessitate surgical intervention.
 
Whatever the cause, patients can rest assured the specialists at Selective Dental will work with them every step of the way to find relief from the condition.
 
TMJ disorder treatment is available at Selective Dental. We serve patients from all over Santa Clara County CA: San Jose, Milpitas, Santa Clara, Campbell, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Saratoga, Los Gatos, and Beyond!