TMJ Dentistry

What is TMJ Disorder?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is where the jawbone meets the skull, slightly in front of the ear. If you rest your fingers on the skin just in front of the hole in your ear and open and close your jaw, you’ll feel the TMJ move.

Unfortunately, many people experience troublesome symptoms with their jaw joints. Common symptoms of TMJ disorder include:

• Jaw pain
• Tension in the facial muscles
• Tooth sensitivity
• Grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw
• Headaches
• Popping or clicking noise when opening and closing your mouth

 In severe cases, TMJ sufferers can experience things like hearing loss, ear pain, ringing in the ears, difficulty with opening the mouth all the way or chewing, intense pain when moving their jaw, and even a locked jaw.

The causes of TMJ aren’t always clear, but it’s sometimes a result of a jaw, neck or head injury, osteoarthritis or arthritic inflammation in the joint, or a dislocation of the pad of cartilage that protects the joint and allows it to move properly. Long-term grinding or clenching of the teeth, whether out of stress or habit, also can lead to a dysfunctional temporomandibular joint.

What Happens if You Don’t Get TMJ Treatment?

TMJ problems are common and affect over 10 million Americans, but even mild problems with this joint tend to get worse over time. Left untreated, TMJ disorders can lead to much more serious and unexpected issues down the road. 

In some cases, a minor annoyance like jaw joints that pop may turn into a partially or fully torn meniscus (the cartilage pad that protects the joint and lets it slide easily). In others, the bone of the joint may become worn down, leading to long-term issues. 

Even if your TMJ itself is healthy, habits associated with TMJ disorder, such as grinding and clenching, should be addressed promptly before they cause other issues like worn down teeth, cracks, or even broken teeth.

If you’re experiencing TMJ symptoms, our team at Monterey Peninsula Dental Group includes TMJ dentists in Monterey, CA with specialized knowledge and training. We’ll carefully evaluate your specific situation and create a TMJ treatment plan that can help decrease your discomfort and protect the long-term health of your jaw joints. for evaluation and a possible treatment plan.

Other than the pain and discomfort of tight and tender facial muscles, severe and chronic TMJ disorder is also associated with:

• Neck and shoulder pain
• Migraines
• Sleep apnea
• Airway restriction
• Snoring
• High blood pressure

Which is why we recommend a consultation for TMJ treatment even if your symptoms don’t seem severe or disruptive.

Are There TMJ Treatments Without Surgery?

Possible TMJ treatments include many nonsurgical options. That might mean instructing you in exercises to strengthen face and jaw muscles, guiding you through massage techniques to relax the area, or crafting a customized night guard to prevent tooth grinding while you sleep. Anti-inflammatory medications and the use of ice and heat on the affected area are also options.

At Monterey Peninsula Dental Group, we believe in treating the whole person, not just the symptoms of TMJ disorder. We always strive to offer TMJ therapy in Monterey, CA in the least invasive way we can. We take a diagnostic approach, taking the time to observe your symptoms and listen to your concerns, order relevant tests, and correct the issue over time.

When necessary, we can also connect you with trusted TMJ specialists near you who can offer advanced options such as injections or surgical solutions to ensure your comfort and long-term health.