If you’ve noticed clicking sounds or stiffness in your jaw, TMJ could be the issue. TMJ disorders affect the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull, and they’re more common than you might think. The good news is that you can treat TMJ. Here, we will tell you all about dental TMJ treatment in Phoenix, so read on to learn more.
What Is TMJ?
TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint. This vital joint allows your jaw to move up, down, and side to side. It helps you chew, speak, and yawn. When this joint works smoothly, you probably never think about it. But when something goes wrong, it’s hard to ignore.
TMJ can cause pain, tightness, and even headaches. Millions of people experience these disorders each year. If you’re one of them, know that you’re not alone—and we can help you.
What Causes TMJ?
Problems don’t happen without a reason. Here are some common causes:
- Direct impact to the jaw, face, or neck can damage the temporomandibular joint.
- Conditions like osteoarthritis of rheumatoid arthritis can affect the joint’s cartilage and function.
- Emotional stress often causes jaw muscles to tighten or spasm.
- A misaligned bite (malocclusion) can strain the joint over time.
- Conditions like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome can affect the TMJ’s stability and function.
- Missing teeth, poorly fitting dentures, or orthodontic problems can lead to joint stress.
- Chewing gum excessively, biting fingernails, or frequently eating hard foods can overwork the joint.
- You may get TMJ disorders due to your anatomy or family history.
- Poor posture, especially involving the head and neck, can shift jaw alignment and stress the joint.
TMJ Nerve Damage Symptoms
Disorders can affect nearby nerves, leading to symptoms like:
- Pain in the jaw, face, neck, or around the ears.
- Clicking, popping, or grinding noises when you move your jaw.
- Difficulty chewing, biting, or even opening your mouth wide.
- A sensation of the jaw locking, making it hard to open or close your mouth fully.
- Chronic headaches or migraines that don’t seem to go away.
- Tenderness or swelling in the jaw area.
- Ear-related issues, such as ringing, pain, or a feeling of fullness.
- Facial fatigue or discomfort after speaking or eating.
How to Treat TMJ?
Treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms. Let’s look at your options for dental TMJ treatment:
Non-Surgical TMJ Dental Treatments
Non-surgical treatments provide effective relief for most disorders by addressing the root causes without the need for invasive procedures. These options focus on reducing pain, improving jaw alignment, and minimizing strain. They are ideal for patients with mild to moderate symptoms or as a first step before considering surgery. Common non-surgical dental TMJ treatments include:
- Dental splints or mouthguards
- Orthodontics
- Restorative dental work
- Botox injections
- Physical therapy ( Don’t get confused; we will explain how below)
Surgical TMJ Dental Treatments
This kind of dental TMJ treatment in Phoenix addresses severe cases where non-surgical methods have failed to provide relief. These procedures target structural issues within the joint, such as damaged cartilage, misaligned discs, or advanced arthritis. Surgery can help restore proper jaw function, reduce chronic pain, and improve mobility for patients with long-term or debilitating problems. Common surgical TMJ treatments include:
- Arthroscopy: Minimally invasive surgery to diagnose and repair joint damage.
- Open-Joint Surgery: Direct access to the joint for repairs or removal of damaged tissue.
- TMJ Replacement Surgery: Replacement of the entire joint with a prosthetic for cases of severe joint destruction.
TMJ Laser Treatment
This dental TMJ treatment is a modern, non-invasive solution for relieving pain and improving jaw function. This treatment uses focused light energy to reduce inflammation, improve blood circulation, and stimulate tissue repair around the TMJ.
It’s a painless option that targets the root causes of discomfort, such as swelling and stiffness, without the need for medication or invasive procedures. Laser therapy is particularly effective for patients with mild to moderate issues, offering quick relief with minimal side effects.
TMJ Treatment at Home
Home dental TMJ treatments offer simple and effective ways to reduce pain and improve jaw function without professional intervention. These self-care steps provide a practical, low-cost way to manage discomfort and support recovery:
- Apply heat to relax tense jaw muscles, and use ice packs to reduce inflammation and numb pain.
- Do simple stretches, like slowly opening and closing your mouth or sliding your jaw side-to-side to improve mobility and reduce stiffness.
- Switch to soft foods to reduce the workload on your jaw.
- Use techniques like meditation, yoga, and mindfulness to help relax the jaw and reduce tension.
- Take medications, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to reduce pain and inflammation for temporary relief.
How to Cure TMJ Permanently?
A permanent solution often involves addressing the root cause of your disorder. Common approaches for dental TMJ treatment in Phoenix include:
- Orthodontic treatments to correct bite issues.
- Stress management techniques like meditation or counseling can help reduce tension.
- Custom dental splints prevent clenching and protect the joint.
What Is the Best Treatment for TMJ?
The best dental TMJ treatment depends on your specific case. However, some popular and effective options for this general dentistry service in Phoenix include:
- Physical therapy strengthens jaw muscles and improves mobility.
- Nightguards protect your teeth and jaw while you sleep.
- Laser therapy reduces pain and inflammation without surgery.
TMJ Dysfunction Exercises
Exercise can strengthen your jaw and improve its range of motion. Here are a few to help with dental TMJ treatment:
Chin Tucks
Stand or sit upright. Gently pull your chin straight back, as if making a double chin. Hold for a few seconds, then release. Do this 8–10 times to improve posture and relieve pressure on the jaw.
Jaw Stretches
Open your mouth as wide as you can without pain. Hold it open for a few seconds, then close it slowly. Repeat 5–10 times. This increases flexibility and reduces tightness in your jaw.
Relaxation Exercise
Put your tongue on the roof of your mouth, just behind your upper front teeth. Let your teeth separate slightly, and let your jaw relax. This simple move helps release tension and keeps your jaw in a neutral position.
Side-to-Side Jaw Movements
With your mouth slightly open, move your jaw gently from side to side. Repeat 8–10 times. This can improve joint flexibility and ease stiffness.
Resisted Jaw Opening
Place your thumb under your chin. Open your mouth slowly while pressing gently against your chin with your thumb. This strengthens jaw muscles and reduces strain on the joint.
Resisted Jaw Closing
Place your hand under your chin and gently push up while closing your mouth slowly. This exercise helps balance muscle strength and supports proper jaw alignment.
Physical Therapy for TMJ
Physical therapy for dental TMJ treatment can make a big difference. A therapist may massage your jaw, guide you through exercises, or teach you posture techniques. TMJ treatment massage and exercises help relieve pain and restore function.
In some cases, therapists may use ultrasound therapy to deliver deep heat to the joint, reducing inflammation and encouraging healing. By addressing the underlying causes of pain, physical therapy helps restore comfort and functionality without the need for invasive treatments.
TMJ Treatment Cost
Costs for TMJ dental treatment range widely. Non-surgical options, like mouthguards or physical therapy, are more affordable. Surgery, on the other hand, may cost you more. You can contact us at (602) 246-0385 to learn the price based on your needs and conditions.
Does Dental Insurance Cover TMJ Treatment?
Insurance coverage for dental TMJ treatment varies. Some dental plans cover splints or guards up to 50%–80%. Medical insurance may also help, especially for severe cases involving surgery. However, coverage limits, deductibles, and approval processes differ, so you better contact us to review your policy carefully.
TMJ Treatment Near Me in Phoenix
If you’re in Phoenix, Central Valley Dentistry can help. We specialize in TMJ disorders and offer personalized care to address your needs. So, stop Googling “dental TMJ treatment near me in Phoenix” and make an online appointment for a free consultation.
FAQs
Complications can include chronic pain, headaches, and difficulty eating.
Yes, issues can cause dizziness due to the joint’s proximity to the inner ear.
You can lower your risk by avoiding hard foods, managing stress, and maintaining good posture.
It varies. Some cases resolve in weeks, while others require ongoing treatment.
They’re not life-threatening but can greatly impact your quality of life.
Coverage depends on your plan. Check with Medicare for details.
Yes! With the right care, you can find relief and get back to your daily routine.