If you have jaw pain, our trusted dentists in Columbia, Maryland, can help. We understand that you may need more than just a healthy smile—you want relief and peace of mind too! Many patients with jaw pain have a TMJ disorder, which affects the joint that connects your jaw to your skull.
People who grind their teeth often develop this problem too. A sore jaw can be very distracting, so we offer TMJ treatment to help you feel better. Dr. Goyal is a trained dental specialist, and can evaluate your jaw for common symptoms. We can put a restorative treatment plan in place to stop jaw pain in no time.
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.
It 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?
TMJ problems can be caused by several factors, like genetics, past jaw injuries, or arthritis. 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
If you notice any of these symptoms, let us know at your next visit. We check for signs of jaw muscle strain or bite problems during exams, but it helps to know what you’re feeling outside the office so we can offer the best care for your TMJ issues.
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 might 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.
Since we offer many dental services, including general, cosmetic, and restorative care, we can handle all your treatment needs in one 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.
Common Questions About TMJ
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.
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.
What is the best treatment for TMJ?
For most people, a custom night guard is the best option. It helps align your jaw while you sleep, reducing symptoms. In severe cases, braces or surgery may be needed.
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.