About TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Disorders

TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders are a family of problems related to your jaw joint. If you have had symptoms like pain or a “clicking” sound, you’ll be glad to know that these problems are more easily diagnosed and treated than they were in the past. These symptoms occur when the joints of the jaw and the chewing muscles do not work together correctly. TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which is the name for each joint (right and left) that connects your jaw to your skull. Since some types of TMJ problems can lead to more serious conditions, early detection and treatment are important.

No one treatment can resolve TMJ disorders completely and treatment takes time to become effective. we can help you have a healthier, more comfortable jaw.

TREATMENT PHILOSOPHY

Dr. Caloss takes a holistic approach to managing patients with temporomandibular disorders. Quality of life can be severely affected when one has difficulty chewing, talking, and smiling without pain and dysfunction. This can be a complex problem due to several factors including malocclusion, bruxing/clenching habit, facial trauma, and psychological and emotional life stressors. The goal of treatment is to address these causes through an array of treatment modalities. A team approach is taken to reduce pain and improve the function of the TMJ and muscles in the head and neck region.

TROUBLE WITH YOUR JAW?

TMJ disorders develop for many reasons. You might clench or grind your teeth, tighten your jaw muscles, and stress your TM joint. You may have a damaged jaw joint due to injury or disease. Injuries and arthritis can damage the joint directly or stretch or tear the muscle ligaments. As a result, the disk, which is made of cartilage and functions as the “cushion” of the jaw joint, can slip out of position. Whatever the cause, the results may include a misaligned bite, pain, clicking, or grating noise when you open your mouth, or trouble opening your mouth wide.

DO YOU HAVE A TMJ DISORDER?

• Are you aware of grinding or clenching your teeth?
• Do you wake up with sore, stiff muscles around your jaws?
• Do you have frequent headaches or neck aches?
• Does the pain get worse when you clench your teeth?
• Does stress make your clenching and pain worse?
• Does your jaw click, pop, grate, catch, or lock when you open your mouth?
• Is it difficult or painful to open your mouth, eat, or yawn?
• Have you ever injured your neck, head, or jaws?
• Have you had problems (such as arthritis) with other joints?
• Do you have teeth that no longer touch when you bite?
• Do your teeth meet differently from time to time?
• Is it hard to use your front teeth to bite or tear food?
• Are your teeth sensitive, loose, broken, or worn?

The more times you answered “yes”, the more likely it is that you have a TMJ disorder. Understanding TMJ disorders will also help you understand how they are treated.

OTHER USEFUL LINKS

• TMJ Disorders FAQ
• Non-Surgical Treatment Options for TMJ Disorders
• Surgical Treatment Options for TMJ Disorders

TMJ TREATMENT

There are various treatment options for TMJ that Dr. Caloss can utilize to improve the harmony and function of your jaw. Once an evaluation confirms a diagnosis of TMJ disorder, we will determine the proper course of treatment. It is important to note that treatment always works best with a team approach of self-care combined with professional care.

The initial goals are to relieve muscle spasms and joint pain. This is usually accomplished with a pain reliever, anti-inflammatory, or muscle relaxant. Steroids can be injected directly into the joints to reduce pain and inflammation. Self-care treatments can often be effective as well and include:

• Resting your jaw
• Keeping your teeth apart when you are not swallowing or eating
• Eating soft foods
• Applying ice and heat
• Exercising your jaw
• Practicing good posture

Stress management techniques such as biofeedback or physical therapy may also be recommended, as well as a temporary, clear plastic appliance known as a splint. A splint (or nightguard) fits over your top or bottom teeth and helps keep your teeth apart, thereby relaxing the muscles and reducing pain. There are different types of appliances used for different purposes. A nightguard helps you stop clenching or grinding your teeth and reduces muscle tension at night. It also helps to protect the cartilage and joint surfaces. An anterior positioning appliance moves your jaw forward, relieves pressure on parts of your jaw, and aids in disk repositioning. It may be worn 24 hours/day to help your jaw heal. An orthotic stabilization appliance is worn 24 hours/day, or just at night, to move your jaw into the proper position. Appliances also help protect tooth wear.

WHAT ABOUT BITE CORRECTION OR SURGERY?

If your TMJ disorder has caused problems with how your teeth fit together you may need treatment such as bite adjustment (equilibration), orthodontics with or without jaw reconstruction, or restorative dental work. Surgical options, such as arthroscopy and open joint repair restructuring, are sometimes needed but are reserved for severe cases. We do not consider TMJ surgery unless the jaw can’t open, is dislocated and non-reducible, has severe degeneration, or the patient has undergone appliance treatment unsuccessfully.

Before and Afters

Frequently asked TMD questions in Jackson, MS.

What is TMJ?

Your TMJ or temporomandibular joint is a hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. Physical trauma, dental problems, and psychological stressors can hinder the function of the TMJ, leading to TMJ disorder (TMD).

What is TMD?

TMD causes symptoms, including pain, soreness, and sensitivity in the face, neck, jaws, and shoulders. You may have difficulty opening or closing your mouth, hindering your ability to chew and speak. Many patients with TMD experience lockjaw and hear a popping sound when they open or close their mouths. In some cases, you may experience headaches and dizziness as a symptom of TMD.

What causes TMD?

A wide range of factors contribute to TMD, and they are unique for every patient. TMD can be caused directly or indirectly by trauma to the head or neck, arthritis, habitually clenching your teeth, genetic traits, and unhealthy posture – among many others.

How do I stop the headaches or earaches?

Headaches and ear pain are common symptoms of TMD, but other factors can contribute to these symptoms. Habitually clenching your teeth can be a manifestation of stress, but it results in headaches and jaw muscle spasms over time. Headaches often are accompanied by earaches, which may be connected to TMD. TMD treatment will bring you relief if you get chronic headaches and have earaches.

Will TMD treatment stop the pain in my face?

Treatment has a high rate of success for patients with chronic facial pain. Our comprehensive approach aims to diagnose the underlying cause of TMD in each patient and develop a treatment plan to alleviate jaw and facial pain in each phase directly.

Why is my jaw making a popping sound?

If you hear a popping sound coming from your jaw when you open your mouth, you may have TMD, but that symptom does not require treatment unless you have associated pain or dysfunction. During your consultation, Dr. Caloss will examine your oral cavity and take X-ray scans to determine the cause and develop a treatment plan to alleviate the problematic popping sound coming from your jaw.