Questions about TMJ Disorder

TMJ disorder is a condition affecting the jaw joints. The trigeminal nerve connects from the spinal cord through the head, jaw joints, and lower jaw. As with other areas of the body, when a musculature imbalance occurs, muscle tension is likely, as is tendon overload, inflammation, reduced blood flow to the area, and pain. In the jaw joints, this condition is referred to as TMJ disorder.

What causes TMJ disorder?

The main cause of TMJ disorder is a muscle imbalance or an uneven bite. This could result from missing or severely misaligned teeth, arthritis, or facial or jaw injuries. In some cases, minor tooth damage or broken or worn teeth could impact how the teeth come together, leading to a collapsed or uneven bite.

How do you know if you have it?

Symptoms of TMJ disorder are far-reaching, which is why many physicians overlook the condition or misdiagnose it. However, specific symptoms may indicate an issue with the jaw joint.

You might have TMJ disorder if you suffer from the following symptoms:

• Frequent headaches
• Jaw joint pain
• Tooth pain
• Gum recession
• Pain opening or closing the jaw
• Clicking or popping sounds when moving the jaw
• Neck, shoulder, or arm pain
• Locking sensation in the jaw joints
• Stuffy ears
• Ringing in the ears
• Restricted jaw movement

If you experience any of these symptoms, consider a consultation with a TMJ dentist in Bluffton to assess your condition and explore treatment therapies.

How is TMJ disorder diagnosed?

At Chris Mohler, DDS, we use sophisticated technology, including digital x-rays, paired with neuromuscular dentistry to diagnose TMJ disorder. Dr. Mohler’s past and ongoing education emphasizes neuromuscular dentistry, which focuses on how orofacial musculature (the muscles of the jaw and face) work together to achieve ultimate balance and comfort. Not all dentists possess this education and experience. However, Dr. Mohler received post-graduate training from the Las Vegas Institute, which pairs cosmetic dentistry with a physiologic connection.

Does TMJ disorder require surgery?

Surgery is not the first line of treatment for TMJ disorder. In many cases, noninvasive treatments, such as muscle relaxation techniques, rebuilding or reconstructing the patient’s bite, helps establish a comfortable occlusion (bite). Dr. Mohler also has many TMJ patients that experience relief from wearing a custom mouthguard that holds the jaw in proper alignment during sleep. However, severe cases that do not respond to noninvasive treatments may be referred for surgery.

How is TMJ disorder treated?

Treatment for TMJ disorder varies, depending on the severity. In some cases, patients may benefit from TENS treatment, which uses low-frequency electrical currents to relax muscles and increase blood flow. Some patients may benefit from bite reconstruction, replacing missing teeth, and repairing damaged teeth to establish a permanently balanced bite. However, many other patients experience relief from wearing a custom oral appliance that helps hold the jaw in proper alignment.

How can neuromuscular dentistry help jaw pain and TMJ disorder?

Not all dentists practice neuromuscular dentistry, a science that seeks to establish a relaxed orofacial musculature. Slight changes to our teeth, whether intentional or not, affect occlusion or how the teeth come together when biting. A filling or crown that is too high, broken teeth, or tooth loss affects the load the remaining teeth bear. You may not feel a difference, but your jaw joints do. As these changes worsen or become more significant, the orofacial musculature may strain, inflame, and result in discomfort or pain. However, neuromuscular dentistry solves these issues from the source, establishing a comfortable bite and relieving jaw joint pain.

How can I learn more?

If you have dealt with TMJ disorder without relief or want to treat your pain at the source, instead of masking it, consider scheduling a consultation with Chris Mohler, DDS, by calling (843) 522-1442 or complete a Contact Form today.