If you’re dealing with jaw pain, our team at Columbia Family Dentist is here to help. We know that what you want is relief from the discomfort, not just a pretty smile. That aching in your jaw could be a TMJ disorder. It’s a common issue with the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. Many people who clench or grind their teeth develop this painful problem.
The good news is Dr. Anshu Goyal specializes in diagnosing and treating jaw pain. She’ll carefully examine your symptoms and create a customized plan to get you comfortable again. That constant ache doesn’t have to be your normal. We have solutions that can help you find real relief. Whether it’s TMJ or another issue causing your discomfort, we’re here to get you feeling better.
TMJ Treatment in Columbia, MD
If you have TMJ disorder, there are different ways to treat it depending on how bad your symptoms are. Our dentists will talk to you about your symptoms and check your teeth, gums, and jaw to find the best treatment for you. We may suggest one or a mix of the following treatments:
- Medications: Over-the-counter meds like aspirin can help reduce pain and swelling in your jaw. Sometimes, anti-anxiety medicine can also help stop jaw clenching, which brings relief.
- Dental Work: If broken, missing, or crooked teeth are causing your TMJ pain, we might suggest dental treatments to help.
- Clear Braces: If your bite is causing your TMJ issues, orthodontic treatment can help fix your bite. This can improve how you chew and speak, reducing muscle strain that leads to jaw pain.
- Night Guards: If teeth grinding is part of your TMJ problem, a night guard can help. It keeps your jaw in a resting position while you sleep, which can reduce muscle strain and tooth damage.
- Oral Surgery: For severe TMJ cases, we may recommend surgery to correct your bite and improve your jaw alignment.
From cleanings to crowns, we do it all, so you can get every dental treatment you need in one convenient place. You won’t need to go anywhere else for help with your TMJ pain. Columbia Family Dentist is here to provide you with the care you need to restore your smile.
What Is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to your skull. When this joint isn’t working right, you may feel pain, hear popping sounds, or notice other symptoms. TMJ disorder can cause serious pain on both sides of your face.
TMJ pain is more common in women than men, especially those between 20 and 40. In most cases, TMJ pain goes away with the right treatment. Surgery is usually a last resort, after you have tried other treatments and nothing else works.
What Causes TMJ?
Factors like genetics, past jaw injuries, or arthritis can cause TMJ problems. Habitual jaw clenching or teeth grinding can also lead to TMJ. However, not everyone who clenches their jaw will develop this condition.
Experts aren’t sure if the pain comes from the muscles around the joint or the joint itself. But certain things can increase your chances of developing TMJ, such as:
- Chronic teeth grinding our jaw clenching
- Arthritis in the jaw
- Long-term stress leading to clenching
- Missing teeth or jaw misalignment
- Poor posture
- Excessive gum chewing
- Orthodontic braces
TMJ Disorder Symptoms
Patients of all ages can develop a TMJ disorder, and may experience the following symptoms:
- Jaw pain
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Soreness near the joint
- Earaches and ear pain
- Trouble chewing or speaking
- Jaw locking
- Popping or clicking when chewing or talking
Be sure to tell us if you’ve been having any of these symptoms. We always check for jaw problems during your exam, but knowing what’s bothering you day-to-day helps us give you the best TMJ care possible.
Common Questions
How Long Does it Take for TMJ to Go Away?
TMJ treatment can take a few days to a few months to show results. Many patients feel better within a few weeks, but full relief might take longer. The timeline depends on what’s causing your TMJ.
Simple treatments like mouthguards or physical therapy usually help within 4–8 weeks. If your pain lasts longer, we may recommend advanced options like Botox or bite correction. The key is sticking with your treatment plan and attending follow-ups so we can adjust your care as needed.
How Do I Relax my Jaw with TMJ?
Your dentist may suggest jaw exercises to help relax your muscles and ease jaw tension, which is a common cause of TMJ pain. Try this easy one: Gently massage your jaw joints in small circles while keeping your teeth slightly apart. Heat packs on your jaw 15 minutes at a time can also loosen tight muscles.
Avoid habits like chewing gum or resting your chin on your hand. If stress makes you clench, mindfulness or yoga might help too. We’ll show you the best techniques for your specific TMJ issues during your visit.
What’s The Best Treatment for TMJ?
For most patients, a custom night guard is the best option. It helps reduce symptoms and align your jaw while you sleep. We also might suggest physical therapy, anti-inflammatory meds, or stress management if clenching is the issue. Severe cases could need braces to fix your bite or surgery for joint damage.
The right treatment depends on your symptoms. Many patients combine 2–3 approaches for faster relief.
Can I Stop TMJ Issues at Home?
For mild symptoms, you can try at-home remedies to help alleviate TMJ pain. Some of these include:
- Jaw exercises
- Using a heat pack
- Eating soft foods to help your jaw rest
- Relaxing your facial muscles
- Sleeping on your side
- Using an ice pack in a clean cloth
However, if the pain is severe or happens often, contact us to see Dr. Goyal for treatment. We will make sure that you can get the treatment you need as soon as possible.
Schedule A TMJ Evaluation at Columbia Family Dentist
If you’ve been dealing with jaw pain or other TMJ symptoms, don’t wait to reach out. We offer many treatment options to help. Schedule an appointment online or call 410-670-8211 today if you have any questions about TMJ treatment.