Can TMJ Pain be Relieved Without Surgery?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is an important joint that connects your jaw to the rest of the skull. If this joint becomes damaged, it can cause a great deal of pain and difficulty using your mouth. There are many ways you can work to treat this issue. Dr. Mohamad El-Kheir and Dr. Matthew Gemp can help you find the best treatment plan possible for your unique issues. Schedule a consultation with Evolution Dentistry in Houston, TX today.
What causes TMJ pain?
TMJ pain is caused by TMJ disorder. These are conditions that affect your jaw, joints, and the surrounding muscles and ligaments. There are many potential causes for this type of issue that include:
- Arthritis
- Wear and tear of the area
- Trauma
- Improper bite
- Chronic teeth clenching
You might experience symptoms like headaches, jaw pain, earaches, pain in your face, tinnitus, popping and clicking in your jaw, and more. Your TMJ assists in your ability to chew, speak, and more. So, when this area is damaged, it can affect multiple aspects of your life.
How can you treat TMJ pain?
The first step to treating TMJ pain is a consultation with Dr. Kheir and Dr. Gemp so that they can analyze your jaw. This helps them understand what is happening in your jaw and the area that surrounds it. They will determine what is hindering the function of your jaw. This is determined by checking for issues with the teeth, the muscles around the jaw, and any signs of soreness or inflammation. Other tests, like x-rays or a bite analysis, might be required to get the best treatment possible.
Once completed, your treatment plan can be created. This might include surgery, but there are many treatments that do not require invasive surgery, like TMJ therapy. You can use medications to treat the symptoms. There are also therapies like mouthguards, physical therapy, and even counseling to help you learn to avoid triggers for your pain. If these types of treatments do not work, surgical procedures and injections are an option.
What should I know about TMJ pain?
TMJ disorders are common, with about 12% of adults in the United States suffering from this pain and discomfort. Minor symptoms of TMJ disorders may go away on their own with time; however, this is typically a progressive condition, so it can get worse over time. You can work to reduce your risk of getting TMJ problems by keeping a good posture, wearing mouthguards when you play sports, wearing a night guard, avoiding clenching your teeth, and practicing stress reduction techniques.