Are you experiencing jaw pain, headaches, or difficulty opening your mouth comfortably? These could be signs of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, a condition that affects the joints connecting your jaw to your skull. In some cases, TMJ care may involve restorative dentistry to correct bite issues and reduce strain on the jaw. At Dr. Teeth in Reno, NV, Dr. Alison Defilippi and Dr. Whitney Bryant specialize in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders, providing relief from symptoms, and helping you enjoy a pain-free, healthy jaw. Our practice uses a gentle, personalized approach to TMJ care, addressing the root of the problem and supporting long-term comfort and function.
What is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder, or TMD, is a condition that affects the temporomandibular joints, which are located on each side of your jaw. These joints enable you to open and close your mouth, chew, and speak. When there’s dysfunction in the joints, you may experience pain, limited jaw movement, and other discomforts. TMJ disorder can be caused by a range of factors, including teeth grinding (bruxism), stress, jaw injury, arthritis, or misalignment.
Many patients may not realize they have TMJ because they clench their jaw and grind their teeth during sleep. If you wake up with a sore jaw, tightness in your face, or frequent headaches, it could be a sign that you’re grinding your teeth at night. Even if you’re not aware of it, our dentist can often spot the signs during a regular exam. Our office can also look for tooth wear or measure your jaw, difficulty opening your jaw could be a sign that you have jaw problems.
Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
TMJ disorder presents a variety of symptoms that can make daily activities difficult or painful. If you experience any of the following symptoms, TMJ treatment could help:
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing your mouth
- Difficulty or discomfort while chewing
- Locking of the jaw in an open or closed position
- Frequent headaches or neck pain
- Earaches or a feeling of fullness in the ears
These symptoms may vary in severity and can sometimes come and go. Dr. Defilippi and Dr. Bryant can assess your jaw and discuss a treatment plan to relieve your symptoms and improve your jaw function.
TMJ Treatment Options at Dr. Teeth
If you suspect you have TMJ, our dentists will examine your bite and take X-rays if needed. A TMJ exam helps us find uneven areas of wear, dislocation, or inflammation. We offer a variety of TMJ treatments designed to address both the symptoms and causes of TMJ disorder.
Custom Oral Appliances
One of the most effective non-surgical options for TMJ treatment is a custom-made oral appliance, often called a night guard or splint. You can wear these appliances over the teeth to help reduce pressure on the jaw joints and prevent teeth grinding.
You can get a TMJ night guard in just two office visits. At your first visit, our dentist will take impressions of your teeth. We send these dental impressions to a local dental lab, where technicians create your appliance from hard plastic. You’ll return to our office after several weeks, and we’ll adjust the night guard so your teeth and the guard come together evenly. Custom appliances fit your bite precisely and offer a comfortable, protective solution for nighttime or daytime use.
Bite Adjustment Therapy
If your TMJ disorder is caused by an uneven bite, bite adjustment therapy can help. This treatment involves gently reshaping certain teeth to improve the way your teeth come together. We may recommend treatments for crooked teeth like clear aligners, dental crowns for worn teeth, or even bonding if you have chipped teeth. A bite adjustment will create a balanced bite and help relax your jaw.
Stress-Relief Techniques
Stress is a common contributor to TMJ pain, especially for those who clench or grind their teeth when tense. Dr. Defilippi and Dr. Bryant can discuss stress-relief techniques to help reduce jaw tension. Our dentists may recommend jaw exercises, mindful relaxation practices, and techniques to minimize the impact of stress on your TMJ.
What Can I Do if I Have a TMJ Flare Up?
A TMJ flare-up can happen when the joint that connects your jaw to your skull becomes irritated or overworked. This can be caused by stress, teeth grinding, a jaw injury, or even chewing too much. You might feel pain in your jaw, have trouble opening your mouth, or hear clicking or popping sounds. If you’re dealing with a TMJ flare-up, you can do a few things at home to help relieve the discomfort:
- Use Heat: Apply a warm compress or heating pad to the side of your jaw for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Heat can relax the muscles and reduce pain. We recommend heat over cold if you have muscle tension from an old injury or continual strain.
- Take Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and swelling. We may also recommend mild muscle relaxants to take before bed. Always follow the directions on the label or ask your doctor for advice.
- Eat Soft Foods: Give your jaw a break by eating soft foods. Eat soup, yogurt, scrambled eggs, or smoothies for a week or two. Avoid hard, crunchy, or chewy foods that can make the pain worse.
- Massage and Use Jaw Exercises: Gently massaging your jaw and doing light jaw exercises may help improve movement and ease tension. You can also visit a physical therapist for TMJ exercises and facial massages. Physical therapy can relax the muscles in the upper body and reduce TMJ symptoms.
If you still don’t see improvement and haven’t gotten professional TMJ treatment, contact Dr. Teeth. We’ll examine your teeth, jaw, and bite. Then we’ll recommend a custom treatment plan to help you feel better and protect your jaw long-term.
Schedule a TMJ Consultation
Relieve jaw pain and morning headaches at Dr. Teeth. Call (775) 829-9929 for TMJ treatment in Reno, NV, or request an appointment online.