TMJ Symptoms
TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorders) is not a well-known condition, and many people have difficulty recognizing the symptoms. That’s partly because the symptoms of this disorder can be various and may manifest far from their source. Among the common TMJ symptoms to look for are:
- Jaw pain
- Headaches
- Sounds like popping or clicking
- Irregular motion, including lock jaw
- Chipped, broken, crooked, or worn teeth
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Ear pain or fullness
- Neck pain
- Upper back pain
- Tingling or numbness in the fingers
- Sleep apnea
Less commonly, TMJ may manifest with other symptoms. If you have two of the symptoms above and other symptoms not listed here, you may have a TMJ disorder. Please call (585) 244-3337 to ask.
What Causes TMJ Symptoms
TMJ symptoms often start with how your upper and lower teeth meet. If your bite is off, the joint can overwork and inflame nearby muscles and tissues. Tight or sore jaw muscles may lead to [jaw pain](#), [headaches](#), or even [ear pressure and fullness. Clicking or popping can signal the joint isn’t moving as it should.
These signs often tie back to clenching or grinding your teeth (bruxism), often while sleeping. Over time, this strain can wear down teeth and further disrupt the bite—starting a cycle that keeps symptoms going.
How We Diagnose TMJ
Symptoms only tell us that you might have TMJ. To make sure that you have the condition before we start TMJ treatment, we will use a comprehensive approach to diagnosis. First, we will start with a medical history, asking about other potential symptoms as well as conditions that might be similar to TMJ. (TMJ is sometimes called “the great imposter” because it mimics many other conditions.)
Then, we will do a physical exam, including seeing if you have difficulty opening or closing your jaw, along with checking your range of motion. We will feel the joint and jaw muscles to see if we can figure out what’s going on. We will identify facial pain, the motion of your jaw, and other aspects of TMJ. We may then perform a treatment with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), a kind of electric massage that can relax jaw muscles and make it easier to diagnose TMJ.
Then, we will perform a number of diagnostic tests to determine the extent of TMJ. Computerized jaw tracking will let us figure out exactly how it is moving so that we can identify the exact problems with the motion. Then, we will listen to the jaw joint to try to correlate the sound with the motion. Amplified sound will give us more information about what’s going on in the joint itself, including whether there’s likely any grinding of bone.
To confirm the state of your bones, we can use a cone beam CT scan, which gives us detailed 3D pictures of your bones. Once we know how far along your TMJ has developed, we can recommend a TMJ treatment plan appropriate to your condition.
TMJ Treatment Options
We offer a range of TMJ treatments focused on relieving pain, restoring function, and preventing long-term damage. We always start with the least invasive option and build from there.
Common approaches include:
- TENS therapy: Gentle electrical pulses help relax tight jaw muscles, reduce pain, and protect teeth from damage caused by clenching.
- Custom orthotic: A precision-fit oral appliance repositions the jaw to ease strain on the joint. It’s usually worn full-time at first, then only at night as symptoms improve.
- Home strategies: Physical therapy exercises, a soft diet, jaw rest, and awareness of habits like gum chewing are often part of care.
- Equilibration: Minor reshaping of certain teeth can reduce pressure points in the bite that contribute to joint stress.
- Restorative care: If the bite remains unstable, we may use long-term solutions like crowns to rebuild proper alignment.
- Referral care: If symptoms don’t improve, we may refer you to a physical therapist or, in rare cases, recommend an evaluation for surgical care.
Surgery is not a first-line option. We only consider it when simpler treatments haven’t worked.
Additional Sleep Treatments We Offer
Sleep Apnea Treatment
To effectively treat sleep apnea, we focus on keeping your airway open by providing crucial support to the soft tissues that can collapse during sleep. Your jaw serves as the primary bony support for much of your upper airway, and we harness this natural anatomy through mandibular advancement devices (MADs)—the most common and effective type of oral appliance for sleep apnea. By gently moving your jaw forward, these custom devices utilize your jaw’s structural support to maintain an open airway throughout the night, offering a comfortable alternative to CPAP machines that many patients find difficult to tolerate.
Snoring Treatment
While some cases of snoring can be managed with lifestyle changes like adjusting your sleep position or avoiding alcohol before bed, persistent snoring often requires professional intervention, especially if you experience high blood pressure, daytime sleepiness, or have been told you stop breathing during sleep. We understand that home remedies like nasal strips or eliminating allergens don’t always provide the lasting relief you need, which is why we offer comprehensive snoring evaluations to get to the root of your problem. Our approach to snoring treatment involves carefully assessing your jaw position and airway structure to determine whether a custom oral appliance will effectively reduce or eliminate your snoring. These personalized devices work by gently repositioning your jaw to maintain optimal airway space, providing a comfortable and effective solution that doesn’t rely on bulky equipment or temporary fixes.
If you suspect you have one of these sleep issues, take the first step toward quieter, more restful nights by contacting Contemporary Dentistry at (585) 270-6808.
Rest Easier By Simply Contacting Contemporary Dentistry
You don’t have to accept another night of poor sleep. Our Rochester dentists are the best choice for TMJ treatment because of their complete understanding of the human jaw and tooth alignment. Call us today at (585) 270-6808 or submit an online form to schedule your comprehensive sleep evaluation and discover how dental sleep medicine can transform your nights and improve your days. Your journey to better sleep now.
TMJ Questions We Hear Often
Do TMJ issues cause headaches?
Yes. Tight jaw muscles near the temples often trigger tension-type headaches. TMJ-related clenching can also lead to migraines.
Is a nightguard the same as an orthotic?
No. A nightguard protects teeth from grinding. A TMJ orthotic also shifts your jaw to relieve joint pressure and improve alignment.
Does insurance cover TMJ treatment?
Dental insurance may cover parts of care like imaging or appliances. Medical plans vary. We’ll review your benefits and send preapprovals when possible.
