Internal Joint Derangement Treatment

Painless TMJ Internal Derangement Treatment

Is your jaw playing a tune of clicks, pops, and painful catches? These are telltale signs of TMJ internal derangement, a common condition that disrupts the smooth function of your jaw joint. At Lake Country Dental, Fort Worth, TX, dentist Dr. Snider offers effective solutions to realign your jaw, alleviate pain, and restore harmony to your bite. 

Serving Fort Worth and surrounding areas like Saginaw, White Settlement, and Azle, we provide personalized care and advanced treatment options for TMJ internal derangement. Call us today at 817-236-8771 to schedule a consultation and rediscover the comfort of a smoothly functioning jaw.

Understanding TMJ Internal Derangement

Your TMJ, the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull, is a complex structure of bones, muscles, ligaments, and a disc that acts as a cushion. When this disc slips out of its proper position or becomes damaged, it can disrupt the joint’s harmony, leading to internal derangement.

Why Choose Dr. Howard for TMJ Treatments in Fort Worth?

Here are just a few reasons why you should choose Dr. Howard for your TMJ treatment:

• Extensive Experience: Dr. Howard has been treating TMJ patients for many years, and has a deep understanding of the condition and its causes.
• State-of-the-Art Technology: Dr. Howard uses the latest diagnostic and treatment technologies to ensure that you receive the most effective care possible.
• Compassionate Care: Dr. Howard and his team are committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care. They will take the time to listen to your concerns and answer your questions, and they will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.

If you’re looking for a TMJ dentist in Fort Worth, choose Dr. Howard. Call us at  817-236-8771 to schedule an appointment and start your journey to relief.

Causes of Internal Joint Derangement

Several factors can contribute to this condition:

• Jaw Injuries: Trauma to the jaw, such as a direct blow or whiplash, can dislocate the disc or damage the joint.
• Arthritis: Inflammatory conditions like osteoarthritis can wear down the disc and the joint surfaces.
• Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Chronic clenching or grinding of the teeth puts excessive stress on the TMJ.
• Connective Tissue Disorders: Conditions that affect connective tissue, like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, can make the joint more susceptible to derangement.

Recognizing the Signs of Internal Joint Derangement

TMJ internal derangement often manifests with noticeable symptoms:

• Jaw Clicking or Popping: These sounds occur when the disc slips out of place and then back in as you open or close your mouth.
• Jaw Locking: The jaw may become stuck in an open or closed position, requiring manual manipulation to release it.
• Limited Jaw Movement: You may find it difficult to open your mouth fully or move your jaw from side to side.
• Jaw Pain: Pain can range from a dull ache to sharp, shooting pain, especially when chewing or yawning.
• Headaches: Tension headaches or migraines are common, often originating in the temples.
• Earaches and Tinnitus: Pain in or around the ear, ringing in the ears, or a feeling of fullness in the ear can occur.

The Impact of TMJ Internal Derangement

Left untreated, internal derangement can significantly impact your quality of life:

• Difficulty Eating: Chewing can become painful and challenging, potentially leading to dietary restrictions and nutritional deficiencies.
• Speech Impairment: Jaw dysfunction can affect your ability to articulate words clearly.
• Sleep Disturbances: Jaw pain and discomfort can disrupt sleep, leading to fatigue and daytime drowsiness.
• Emotional Distress: Chronic pain and functional limitations can contribute to anxiety and depression.

Who Develops Internal Joint Derangement?

Internal joint derangement can occur in anyone, regardless of age or gender. However, certain factors can increase the risk of developing the condition, like: 

• History of trauma to the jaw joint
• Misaligned bite
• History of arthritis
• Excessive teeth grinding or clenching

Treatment Options for Internal Joint Derangement

Dr. Snider at Lake Country Dental takes a comprehensive approach to treating TMJ internal derangement. He will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the severity of your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment options. Please note we may not offer all of these options for treatment at our office.

• Conservative Treatments: These non-invasive approaches often provide significant relief:
  • Oral Splints (Night Guards): Custom-fitted appliances worn over the teeth to prevent teeth grinding and reduce jaw clenching.
  • Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises and stretches to strengthen jaw muscles and improve joint mobility.
  • Medications: Pain relievers, muscle relaxants, or anti-inflammatory drugs can provide temporary relief.
  • Lifestyle Changes: Stress management techniques, such as meditation and exercise, can help reduce jaw tension.
• Minimally Invasive Procedures: If conservative treatments are insufficient, Dr. Snider may recommend:
  • Arthrocentesis: Flushing the joint with sterile fluid to remove debris and reduce inflammation.
  • TMJ Injections: Injecting corticosteroids or other medications into the joint to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Jaw Surgery: In rare cases, when other treatments have failed, surgery may be necessary to reposition the disc or repair damaged joint structures.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is internal joint derangement diagnosed?

Diagnosing internal joint derangement usually involves a few steps. Your doctor will first ask about your medical history and do a physical exam to check your jaw. They’ll likely order imaging tests like X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to get a better look at the joint. In some cases, they might also do a joint aspiration, where they use a needle to take some fluid from the joint for analysis.

Can internal joint derangement affect other parts of the body?

While internal joint derangement mainly affects your jaw joint, it can cause pain in other areas like your ears, cheeks, and temples. This is called referred pain. It can also lead to headaches, neck pain, and even spasms in your facial muscles.

How common is internal joint derangement?

Internal joint derangement is fairly common, especially in people between 20 and 50 years old, and it’s more often seen in women. However, it can affect anyone, including children. Factors like stress, poor diet, and lack of exercise might be contributing to an increase in cases.

Reclaim Your Jaw Function with Our Fort Worth Dentist

Are you tired of the clicking, popping, and pain in your jaw? Is it affecting your ability to eat, sleep, or simply enjoy life? At Lake Country Dental in Fort Worth, TX, Dr. Snider and our compassionate team understand the challenges of TMJ internal derangement. 

We’re here to help you find relief and reclaim your quality of life. Don’t wait another day. Call us now at 817-236-8771 to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a pain-free jaw.