Blogs

Patient Education
>
What Is TMJ & How Can a Dentist Help?
Request AppointmentCall us

What Is TMJ & How Can a Dentist Help?

Posted on:
July 14, 2017
What Is TMJ & How Can a Dentist Help?

What Is TMJ

The temporomandibular joints are the joints on either side of your head that connect your jaw to your skull & allow you to open & close your mouth, chew, & speak. Because it can move in many different directions, these joints are some of the most complex in your body. Any problems with these joints are also referred to as TMJ disorder, or just TMJ.

Symptoms of TMJ

Symptoms of TMJ can include:

  • Jaw clicking, popping, or locking
  • Headaches or earaches
  • Pain when mouth is opened widely
  • Tenderness of jaw muscles

The cause of your TMJ can determine which or how many of these symptoms you have. At most dental checkups, your dentist or dental hygienist will check for tenderness in your jaw muscles to see if TMJ might be present.

Causes of TMJ

TMJ does not always have an obvious cause, but there are a few common possibilities for the origins of a TMJ problem:

  • Injury or dislocation
  • Teeth clenching (often from stress)
  • Arthritis
  • Poor tooth or jaw alignment

How Can a Dentist Help?

While many probably think of dentist as just teeth doctors, we can't treat you properly without looking at your mouth as part of a system. That system definitely includes your temporomandibular joint. A dentist can help in diagnosing your TMJ disorder, & may also refer you to a physician or a specialist dentist for further diagnosis.

Because TMJ can be caused by tooth & jaw alignment problems, there are dental treatments that may help. Your dentist may refer you to an orthodontist for treatments like braces, which can help realign the teeth & the jaws so that your mouth can close in the proper position. Treatment form an orthodontist can alleviate TMJ symptoms in many cases.

If your TMJ comes from teeth grinding or clenching, your dentist may recommend that you wear a custom dental appliance. Often called a bite plate or a splint, this appliance will keep your upper teeth from grinding against your lower teeth. In addition to alleviating TMJ symptoms, this bite guard will prevent wear on your teeth from grinding that can lead to other problems.

Other treatments for TMJ include using hot & cold packs, taking anti-inflammatory &/or muscle relaxing medications, or learning relaxation techniques to reduce tension in your jaw muscles. In certain rare cases, TMJ may require jaw surgery to correct.

If you are concerned that you may have symptoms that indicate TMJ, please speak with your dentist about it. We want to get you relief from pain & discomfort as quickly as we can!  Enjoy Shakespeare in the Park at the Shakespeare Garden in Plainfield on Sunday, July 16

About Author

Dr. Sonal Deshpande
Dr. Sonal Deshpande, DDS

Dr. Sonal Deshpande is a gentle, caring dentist who uses the most advanced materials and procedures available. She practices comfortable, caring dentistry focused on establishing optimal oral health, with a strong emphasis on getting to know each patient. In addition to her technical proficiency, Dr. Sonal Deshpande is a careful listener and will explain beforehand which treatment is best for your individual needs.

Read more

You might like

The Fast Magic of Dental Bonding
November 8, 2018
The Fast Magic of Dental Bonding

If you need a chipped tooth repaired or want a fast and relatively affordable way to change the shape of your smile, dental bonding is the solution.

Read More
How Dental Implants Were Invented
December 23, 2018
How Dental Implants Were Invented

Perhaps the earliest example of dental implants were seashells found in the jaw of an ancient Mayan skeleton from 1,300 years ago.

Read More
The Link Between Gum Disease & Heart Disease
December 15, 2018
The Link Between Gum Disease & Heart Disease

Recent studies have revealed that there is a strong correlation between gum disease and cardiovascular disease. Gum disease, which is referred to by dentists as periodontitis

Read More
Brilliant smiles MapBrilliant Smiles Map

Contact us

If you are looking for dentists in North Plainfield, NJ, look no further than Brilliant Smiles of North Plainfield for all of your dentistry needs. Whether you want a simple dental cleaning or you have a dental emergency, we are here to help. Contact us now.

Request AppointmentCall us
Address

176 Cedar Street North Plainfield, NJ 07060

Get Directions
Office Hours

Monday       : 7:30 am – 7:00 pm
Tuesday       : 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
Wednesday : 7:30 am – 7:00 pm
Thursday     : 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Friday           : 7:30 am – 3:30 pm
Saturday      : 8:00 am – 1:00 pm