TMD Treatment

Are You Experiencing Jaw Pain or Headaches?

More than 15% of all Americans suffer from chronic facial pain. This includes headaches, neck aches, ear aches, and tender jaw, and may include a clipping or popping sensation when you open your mouth.

Many of these facial pains spring from temporomandibular joint problems (TMJ) which can also develop into chronic pain. The results of temporomandibular (TMD) problems can include:

All causes of TMJ have not been identified, but dentists believe that injury to the jaw, muscles of the head and neck can cause TMD. Other possible causes include:

• Grinding or clenching the teeth
• Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the jaw joint
• Dislocation or misalignment of the jaw
• Stress

How Is TMJ Treated?
After TMJ is definitively diagnosed, TMD is managed by a combination of therapies. The management options and sequence of treatment for TMD are similar to treating other musculoskeletal or orthopedic disorders, with the goals of relieving or eliminating pain, decreasing pressure on jaw joints and restoring jaw function. Extensive dental treatments may not even be necessary, or supplemented by self-care and behavior modification. Options include physical therapy, medication, jaw exercise and orthopedic appliances, which are further explored in our TMJ and Services pages.

You may help relieve symptoms by engaging in simple exercises and avoiding actions that aggravate your condition:

• Don’t yawn or open your jaw wider than the width of two fingers.
• Avoiding chewing tough foods like gum, bagels and steaks
• Avoid clenching jaws by keeping them relaxed and slightly apart
• Avoidance of leaning or sleeping on the jaw
• Use ice packs or moist heat compresses as directed by your doctor
• Massage the affected muscles
• Use of over the counter anti-inflammatories such as Motrin or Naproxen as directed by your doctor.

To get at the root of what is causing your mouth and face pain, we need to examine – and treat – all the possible underlying causes. A careful, thorough diagnosis is required, along a comprehensive treatment plan, for your best chance of long-term success – and freedom from pain.

Get in touch with Dr. Markman today for a complete TMD diagnosis and treatment plan.