TMJ Disorders
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders are a family of problems related to your complex jaw joint. If you have had symptoms like pain or a “clicking” sound, you’ll be glad to know that these problems are more easily diagnosed and treated than they were in the past. These symptoms occur when the joints of the jaw and the chewing muscles (muscles of mastication) do not work together correctly. TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which is the name for each joint (right and left) that connects your jaw to your skull. Since some types of TMJ problems can lead to more serious conditions, early detection and treatment are important.
No one treatment can resolve TMJ disorders completely and treatment takes time to become effective. Dr. Weierbach or Dr. Genetti can help you have a healthier and more comfortable jaw.
Trouble With Your Jaw?
TMJ disorders develop for many reasons. You might clench or grind your teeth, tightening your jaw muscles and stressing your TM joint. You may have a damaged jaw joint due to injury or disease. Injuries and arthritis can damage the joint directly or stretch or tear the muscle ligaments. As a result, the disk, which is made of cartilage and functions as the cushion of the jaw joint, can slip out of position. Whatever the cause, the results may include a misaligned bite, pain, clicking, or grating noise when you open your mouth or trouble opening your mouth wide.
Do You Have a TMJ Disorder?
- Are you aware of grinding or clenching your teeth?
- Do you wake up with sore, stiff muscles around your jaws?
- Do you have frequent headaches or neck aches?
- Does the pain get worse when you clench your teeth?
- Does stress make your clenching and pain worse?
- Does your jaw click, pop, grate, catch, or lock when you open your mouth?
- Is it difficult or painful to open your mouth, eat, or yawn?
- Have you ever injured your neck, head, or jaws?
- Have you had problems (such as arthritis) with other joints?
- Do you have teeth that no longer touch when you bite?
- Do your teeth meet differently from time to time?
- Is it hard to use your front teeth to bite or tear food?
- Are your teeth sensitive, loose, broken or worn?
The more times you answered “yes”, the more likely it is that you have a TMJ disorder. Understanding TMJ disorders will also help you understand how they are treated.
Treatment
There are various treatment options that Drs. Weierbach or Genetti can utilize to improve the harmony and function of your jaw. Once an evaluation confirms a diagnosis of TMJ disorder, Drs. Weierbach or Genetti will determine the proper course of treatment. It is important to note that treatment always works best with a team approach of self-care joined with professional care.
The initial goals are to relieve the muscle spasm and joint pain. This is usually accomplished with a pain reliever, anti-inflammatory, or muscle relaxant. Steroids can be injected directly into the joints to reduce pain and inflammation. Self-care treatments can often be effective as well and include:
- Resting your jaw
- Keeping your teeth apart when you are not swallowing or eating
- Eating soft foods
- Applying ice and heat
- Exercising your jaw
- Practicing good posture
Stress management techniques such as biofeedback or physical therapy may also be recommended, as well as a temporary, clear plastic appliance known as a splint. A splint fits over your top or bottom teeth and helps keep your teeth apart, thereby relaxing the muscles and reducing pain. There are different types of appliances used for different purposes. A nightguard helps you stop clenching or grinding your teeth and reduces muscle tension at night and helps to protect the cartilage and joint surfaces. An anterior positioning appliance moves your jaw forward, relieves pressure on parts of your jaw, and aids in disk repositioning. An orthotic stabilization appliance is worn 8-10 hours/day or just at night to move your jaw into the proper position. Appliances also help to protect from tooth wear.
What About Bite Correction or Surgery?
If your TMJ disorder has caused problems with how your teeth fit together, you may need treatment such as bite adjustment (equilibration), orthodontics with or without jaw reconstruction, or restorative dental work. Surgical options such as arthroscopy and open joint repair restructuring are sometimes needed but are reserved for severe cases. Drs. Weierbach or Genetti does not consider TMJ surgery unless the jaw can’t open, is dislocated and nonreducible, has severe degeneration, or the patient has undergone appliance treatment unsuccessfully.
Weierbach & Genetti Prosthodontics
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I had experienced 7 weeks with another practice after going for an exam, x-rays, and cleaning. The experience finally included an extraction and placement of a bridge. The aftermath left an uncomfortable mouth, ill-fitting bridge, poor customer service and communication and a large measure of stress. At Dr. Genetti's office, the entire staff was extremely caring, accommodating, knowledgeable, competent, and professional. Even though she was cleaning up someone else's mess, I was her first priority and she strived for satisfaction. She even called me in the evening to see if I had any questions and if I was OK. The experiences between the two offices was like night and day. My mouth is now fine and I cannot say enough about the service and experience I had. It is so good to know there are competent and caring doctors in the profession. I would recommend this group totally and appreciatively.
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This is the nicest dental office I have ever been to. I’ve always dreaded going to the dentist, but when I walked in the door, I knew right away this was the right place for me. The office itself is beautiful and feels and looks like a spa! Everyone I interacted with was extremely friendly and knowledgeable and they were all able to answer my questions. Dr. Genetti immediately put me at ease. Right away she asked me about my story and concerns and she really took the time to listen to what I had to say, which is so rare! At each appointment, I never had to guess what was happening because everything was explained so clearly. Dr. Genetti is an extremely consciousness and kind dentist and I could tell from the first exam what a confident and knowledgeable practitioner she is. The team works together so well and you can tell how much they care for their patients and each other. I was relaxed throughout my whole treatment because I felt I was in such good hands. I actually look forward to going to each visit. Thank you, Dr. Genetti!
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I enjoyed my natural look like teeth. I am amazed how well the dentures fit in my mouth. They did a awesome job.
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In one office procedure, Dr. Weierbach corrected my dental problem that progressed over decades. In spite of my neglect in dental care, he and his staff were understanding, caring and welcoming. Everyone is impressively talented and the work is artistic. I wholeheartedly recommend this practice. I look forward to the next visit!
- Jay