Please note we may not offer all the TMJ treatments mentioned. Call 817-236-8771 to learn more. 

Unlocking Relief: Your Journey to a Pain-Free Jaw Starts Here

Is jaw pain, clicking, or stiffness holding you back from enjoying simple pleasures? At Lake Country Dental, the best dental office in Fort Worth, TX, we understand the debilitating effects of TMJ disorders. Serving Fort Worth and surrounding areas like Saginaw, White Settlement, and Azle, Dr. Snider and his compassionate team offer a range of personalized treatments to alleviate your discomfort and restore harmony to your jaw. 

Call us today at 817-236-8771 to schedule a consultation and discover the path to a healthier, happier you.

What Is the TMJ?

The TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is the hinge connecting your jawbone to your skull. It lets you open and close your mouth, move it side to side, and chew. It’s a complex joint that both hinges and slides, and it’s surrounded by muscles and ligaments that help it move smoothly. Problems with the TMJ can cause pain and difficulty moving your jaw, a condition known as TMD (temporomandibular disorder). Dr. Snider will review the cost of TMJ treatments with you.

Types of TMJ Disorders

TMJ disorders are not one-size-fits-all, but treating TMD comes with several benefits. There are different types, each with unique characteristics:

• Myofascial Pain Disorder: This is the most common type of TMD, affecting the muscles that control jaw movement. It often feels like a dull, aching pain in the jaw, temples, or face. It can be triggered by stress, teeth clenching, overuse of the jaw muscles (like excessive gum chewing), and injury to the jaw or head.
• Internal Joint Derangement: This type of TMD involves problems with the disc that cushions the jaw joint. This disc can slip out of place (dislocate), move out of its normal position (displace), or become torn or worn down. This can cause clicking or popping sounds in the jaw, pain, and difficulty moving the jaw smoothly. Causes include injury, arthritis, and a misaligned bite.
• Degenerative Joint Disease: Like arthritis in other joints, degenerative joint disease in the TMJ involves the breakdown of the cartilage that cushions the bones. This leads to bone-on-bone contact, pain, stiffness, and limited jaw movement. It can be caused by aging, injury, or other joint conditions.
• TMJ Ankylosis: This is a rare but serious condition where the bones of the jaw joint fuse together, resulting in severe limitation or complete immobility of the jaw. It can be caused by injury, infection, or certain medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

Causes of TMJ Disorders

While the exact cause of TMD can be difficult to pinpoint, several factors can contribute to its development:

• Jaw injuries: Direct blows to the jaw, whiplash, or other trauma can damage the joint structures.
• Teeth grinding (bruxism): Habitual clenching or grinding of the teeth puts excessive force on the jaw joint.
• Arthritis: Inflammatory conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the TMJ.
• Disc problems: Displacement or damage to the disc within the joint.
• Stress and anxiety: These can lead to muscle tension and jaw clenching.
• Bite problems (malocclusion): An improper bite can strain the jaw joint.
• Connective tissue diseases: Conditions that affect connective tissues throughout the body can also involve the TMJ.
• Poor posture: Forward head posture can put extra stress on the jaw joint.

TMJ Symptoms: Recognizing the Signs

TMJ disorders can manifest in various ways, and the severity of symptoms can differ from person to person. Here are some of the most common TMJ disorder symptoms:

• Jaw pain: This can range from a dull ache to a sharp, shooting pain. It might be felt in the jaw joint itself, in the face, temples, or even in the ears.
• Difficulty with jaw movement: You may find it hard to open your mouth wide, experience a limited range of motion, or have your jaw lock or catch when opening or closing.
• Sounds in the jaw: Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when you move your jaw are common signs of TMD, often related to problems with the disc in the joint.
• Ear problems: Earaches, a feeling of fullness in the ear, or tinnitus (ringing in the ears) can be associated with TMD.
• Headaches: Many people with TMD experience frequent headaches, especially tension headaches or migraines.
• Facial pain: Pain can radiate throughout the face, affecting the cheeks, forehead, and around the eyes.
• Neck and shoulder pain: Tension in the jaw muscles can often lead to pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulders.
• Chewing difficulties: You may find it painful or difficult to chew, especially hard or chewy foods.
• Swelling: Swelling on one or both sides of the face can occur.
• Dizziness: Some people with TMD experience dizziness or vertigo.

Risk Factors for Developing TMD

Certain factors can increase your risk of developing a TMJ disorder:

• Jaw injuries: Trauma to the jaw, such as from a fall, sports injury, or car accident.
• Teeth grinding (bruxism): Chronic clenching or grinding of the teeth, often done unconsciously during sleep. Sleep apnea and TMJ may be connected, as well.
• Arthritis: Inflammatory joint conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Jaw joint disc problems: Displacement, dislocation, or damage to the disc that cushions the jaw joint.
• Genetics: A family history of TMD.

If you suspect you have TMD, don’t hesitate to call Lake Country Dental at 817-236-8771 to schedule a consultation. 

Diagnosing TMD

If you’re experiencing symptoms of TMD, it’s essential to seek professional help. Dr. Snider at Lake Country Dental in Fort Worth, TX, can diagnose TMD through:

• Medical history review: Discuss your symptoms and any relevant medical conditions.
• Physical examination: Evaluating your jaw joint, muscles, and bite.
• Imaging tests: X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs may be used to visualize the joint structures. Untreated TMD can lead to several issues.

Treatment Options for TMD: A Multifaceted Approach

When it comes to treating TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder), there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Dr. Snider at Lake Country Dental in Fort Worth, TX, will carefully assess your condition and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. The good news is that most cases of TMD respond well to conservative, non-surgical approaches.

Conservative Treatments

These non-surgical options are often very effective in managing TMD symptoms. They include:
Lifestyle changes: Resting your jaw, applying heat or cold packs, and eating soft foods.

• Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, muscle relaxants, and anti-inflammatories (as prescribed).
• Therapies: Physical therapy to improve jaw mobility, and stress management techniques to reduce jaw clenching.
• Dental appliances: Nightguards or splints to prevent teeth grinding, and orthodontics to correct bite problems.

More Invasive Treatments

If conservative treatments aren’t providing sufficient relief, Dr. Snider may recommend:

• Injections: Corticosteroids injected into the TMJ to reduce inflammation.
• Arthrocentesis: A minimally invasive procedure to wash out inflammatory substances from the joint.
• Surgery: TMJ surgery is typically a last resort for severe cases that haven’t responded to other treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is TMJ disorder common?

Yes, TMJ disorders are quite common. While exact numbers are hard to pin down, it’s estimated that millions of people worldwide experience TMD. It’s more common in women than men and often affects people between the ages of 20 and 40. Many people may have mild TMD and never seek treatment, so the actual prevalence could be even higher.

Can children get TMJ disorders?

While less common in children than adults, TMD can certainly affect young people. Jaw injuries, misaligned teeth, and habits like thumb sucking or nail-biting can contribute to TMD in children.

Can diet affect TMJ disorders?

Yes, your diet can play a role in TMD.

• Hard and crunchy foods: Foods like nuts, hard candies, and popcorn can put excessive strain on your jaw joint.
• Chewy foods: Chewing gum and chewy candies can also overwork your jaw muscles.
• Sugary foods and caffeine: These can increase muscle tension and potentially worsen TMD symptoms.

Reclaiming Your Quality of Life

By addressing the underlying causes of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, Dr. Snider can help you reduce pain in the upper and lower teeth, improve jaw function, and enhance your overall quality of life. At Lake Country Dental in Fort Worth, TX, we welcome patients from surrounding communities, including Saginaw, White Settlement, and Azle.

Don’t let TMJ disorder control your life. At Lake Country Dental in Fort Worth, TX, Dr. Snider and our compassionate team are here to help you find relief and restore your smile. Call us now at 817-236-8771 to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a pain-free life.