Do you wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or facial soreness? Does your jaw click or pop when you open your mouth to eat or speak? If so, you might be one of the millions of Americans living with TMJ problems.
Patients are often surprised to learn that their seemingly unrelated symptoms are actually connected to problems with their temporomandibular joint. Understanding TMJ disorders in Tigard is the first step toward finding relief from pain that might be affecting your daily life more than you realize.
If you’re experiencing jaw pain, clicking sounds, or frequent headaches, don’t wait to seek help. Call Hayden Dental Care today at 503-446-6919 to schedule a comprehensive TMJ evaluation.
The temporomandibular joint connects your lower jaw to your skull, acting like a sliding hinge that allows you to talk, chew, and yawn. TMJ disorders occur when this complex system of muscles, ligaments, and joints doesn’t work properly together. These conditions affect people of all ages, but they’re most common in adults between 20 and 40 years old, with women being affected more often than men.
Many people live with TMJ symptoms for months or even years before seeking treatment, often because they don’t realize their various symptoms are connected to one underlying problem. The good news is that TMJ disorders are highly treatable when properly diagnosed and addressed with the right approach.
TMJ disorders can cause a surprising variety of symptoms that might seem unrelated at first glance. The most obvious signs include jaw pain or tenderness, especially when chewing or speaking. Many patients notice clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when they open or close their mouth, and some experience their jaw getting stuck or locked in position.
However, TMJ symptoms often extend beyond the jaw itself. Frequent headaches, especially in the morning, are common among TMJ sufferers. You might experience earaches or a feeling of fullness in your ears, even though there’s nothing wrong with your hearing. Neck and shoulder pain are also frequent complaints, as the muscles in these areas work overtime to compensate for jaw dysfunction.
Some people with TMJ issues notice changes in their bite or the way their teeth fit together. You might find yourself clenching or grinding your teeth, especially at night, which can lead to worn, chipped, or sensitive teeth. Facial swelling and difficulty opening your mouth wide are other possible symptoms that shouldn’t be ignored.
TMJ disorders can develop from several different causes, and often multiple factors contribute to the problem. Stress is a major culprit, as it leads many people to clench their jaw muscles or grind their teeth without realizing it. This constant tension puts excessive strain on the temporomandibular joint.
Physical trauma to the jaw, head, or neck can also trigger TMJ problems. This might happen from a car accident, sports injury, or even a hard fall. Sometimes the symptoms don’t appear immediately after the injury, making it harder to connect the dots.
Bite problems and teeth misalignment can force your jaw to work harder than it should, eventually leading to TMJ dysfunction. Arthritis can affect the temporomandibular joint just like other joints in your body, causing inflammation and pain. Some people are simply born with structural abnormalities that make them more prone to developing TMJ disorders.
Certain habits can also contribute to TMJ problems. Chewing gum excessively, biting fingernails, or habitually chewing on pencils or ice can put extra stress on your jaw joints over time.
We offer several effective treatments for TMJ disorders in Tigard, tailored to each patient’s specific needs and symptoms. Our approach begins with a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying causes of your TMJ problems.
One of our most effective treatments is a custom TMJ bite guard, which we create using advanced digital impressions for a perfect fit. These specially designed guards help protect your teeth from grinding while repositioning your jaw to reduce strain on the temporomandibular joint. Unlike over-the-counter options, our custom guards are precisely calibrated to your bite and jaw position.
For patients whose TMJ symptoms stem from bite alignment issues, we offer orthodontic solutions, including Invisalign aligners and clear ceramic braces. By properly aligning your teeth, we can often eliminate the underlying cause of TMJ dysfunction and provide long-term relief.
We also provide Botox® treatment for TMJ disorders, which can provide significant relief for patients whose symptoms are primarily related to muscle tension. Botox injections into the jaw muscles help reduce clenching and grinding while alleviating pain and tension in the affected areas.
The key to successful TMJ treatment is addressing both the symptoms and the underlying causes. Along with professional treatment, we often recommend lifestyle modifications such as stress management techniques, dietary changes to avoid hard or chewy foods, and exercises to strengthen and stretch the jaw muscles.
Many patients find that a combination of treatments works best for their situation. We work closely with each patient to develop a personalized treatment plan that fits their lifestyle and provides the most effective relief.
Don’t let TMJ pain control your life any longer. To find relief from TMJ disorders in Tigard, call Hayden Dental Care today at 503-446-6919 for a comprehensive evaluation. You can also schedule online if you like.
