FAQs

Because the disc/cartilage between the two bones is dislocating and popping out of place.

TMJ problems are often associated with severe pain. However, pain is a late effect. This means pain is not a predictable way to screen people for TMJ disorders. This pain can also vary in location and nature, from pain in the jaw’s joint space to sharp pains when opening and or closing or persistent dull aches in the muscle. It is not unusual to mistake TMJ pain for headaches and earaches.

The jaw can become stuck when the disc/cartilage dislocates, or the muscles that control movement spasm enough to prevent your jaw’s full range of motion.

TMJ disorders are diagnosed by a physical examination of range of motion, joint sounds/vibrations, joint hard tissue images, sleep diagnostics, and/or soft tissue diagnostic images.

Yes, we will always look at those. However, in most cases, they are not detailed enough. We will likely take a CBCT (Cone Beam Computerized Tomography) to evaluate your symptoms. Thankfully, we have these imaging capabilities onsite.

Yes. Clenching and grinding of teeth can have a negative effect on the jaw joint. The act of clenching and grinding teeth puts stress on the joint space and causes a decrease in the quality of the lubrication and impedes movement, which causes increased load, inflammation, and breakdown of the TM joint.

Drugs such as analgesics, corticosteroids, muscle relaxants, anti-anxiety drugs, antidepressants, and local anesthetics may play a role in your treatment. However, drugs alone cannot solve your TMJ issues.

More than 60% of patients with TMJ issues also suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Sleep is when we rest, heal, and rejuvenate. Proper sleep is paramount to health. Oftentimes the OSA and other sleep-related breathing disorders negatively affect the health of the TM joints through increases load to these structures.

Yes, TMJ problems often cause headaches and can be resolved if the origin of the headache is related to the nerves innervating the TM joints.

TMJ issues are progressive; they continue to get worse over time. This progression usually looks like short-term sharp pains, jaw inflammation resulting in muscle tenderness, jaw joint noises, limited range of motion and locking of the jaw, changes in the bony makeup of the jaw joint, wear and destruction of teeth, and loss of a portion of jaw joint resulting in a permanent change in the bite and ability to chew. Ultimately doing nothing will cost more than investing in treating your symptoms.