TMJ Treatment

TMJ related pain is caused by the temporomandibular joint’s inability to work properly. TMJ pain is usually felt by the paint in the jaw or neck. Dr. Borisson encourages patients who suffer from pain in the jaw or neck to be evaluated for TMJ disorder.

TMJ Q & A

What Are the Symptoms of a TMJ Disorder?

Every patient with Temporomandibular disorder will experience the disorder differently. There are a variety of symptoms associated with the disorder and patients with the disorder can experience them in varying degrees of severity and length. Adults between the ages of 20 and 40belong to the group most commonly affected by TMJ Disorder and symptoms can be felt by patients on one or both sides of the face. The most common sign of TMJ is a pain in the jaw, face, shoulders, or neck while you chew or open your mouth. This pain is often experienced along with a popping, clicking or grating noise when the mouth opens. The jaw can also become locked in an open position, or the face may simply feel tired or swollen.

What Causes TMJ Disorders?

Unfortunately, the root cause of temporomandibular disorders is unknown. However, research has identified triggers that can cause the disease to develop. These triggers include injury to the jaw, neck, or head due to blunt force trauma or whiplash. Grinding your teeth while sleeping can also stress the joint and lead to pressure and potential damage. Also, if the disc between the ball and socket of the jaw experiences too much motion, this can then lead to irritation. Other potential causes include arthritis of the joint and the patient being overly stressed.

What Is the Treatment for a TMJ Disorder?

A comprehensive treatment plan is designed to help you manage your TMJ symptoms through a variety of techniques including the prescription of certain medications that will help you relax your muscles and reduce pain and swelling. You may also be prescribed a mouthpiece to help keep your upper and lower teeth from touching while you sleep. Splints are another popular device to alleviate TMJ pain and are typically worn all the time and will also serve to correct any mild abnormality associated with your bite. Another part of treatment may include replacing missing teeth to correct the way you move your jaw and lessen some of the pain associated with TMJ. To maximize your pain relief, Dr. Borisson may recommend crowns, braces, or bridges to help guide your jaw and bite into the proper position.