TMJ Disorders
Understanding and treating temporomandibular joint dysfunction for lasting relief
TMJ disorders affect millions of Americans, causing jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty with daily activities like eating and speaking. At Copley Dental, we offer comprehensive diagnosis and treatment options to help you find relief from TMJ-related discomfort and restore normal jaw function.
Common TMJ Symptoms
Jaw Pain & Tenderness
Persistent pain in the jaw joint area, especially when chewing or opening wide
Clicking or Popping
Audible sounds when opening or closing your mouth, with or without pain
Jaw Locking
Difficulty opening or closing your mouth completely, or jaw getting stuck
Headaches
Frequent tension headaches or migraines, especially in the temple area
Ear Problems
Earaches, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), or feeling of fullness
Facial Fatigue
Tired feeling in facial muscles, especially after eating or talking
Understanding the TMJ
What is the TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull, functioning as a sliding hinge that allows you to open and close your mouth, chew, speak, and yawn.
This complex joint combines a hinge action with sliding motions, making it one of the most complicated joints in the body. The parts of the bones that interact are covered with cartilage and separated by a small shock-absorbing disk.
When any component of this intricate system becomes damaged or misaligned, it can result in painful TMJ disorders that affect your quality of life.
Key TMJ Components
- Temporal Bone: Part of the skull that forms the joint socket
- Mandibular Condyle: Rounded end of the lower jaw
- Articular Disc: Cushioning cartilage between bones
- Ligaments & Muscles: Support and control jaw movement
Common Causes
Physical Factors
- • Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
- • Jaw injury or trauma
- • Arthritis in the TMJ
- • Disc erosion or misalignment
- • Connective tissue diseases
Lifestyle Factors
- • Chronic stress and tension
- • Poor posture affecting neck and jaw
- • Excessive gum chewing
- • Bite misalignment (malocclusion)
- • Sleep position putting pressure on jaw
Treatment Options
Non-Invasive Treatments
- Custom-fitted night guards or splints
- Physical therapy exercises
- Stress management techniques
- Hot/cold compress therapy
- Dietary modifications (soft foods)
- Anti-inflammatory medications
Professional Interventions
- Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections
- Trigger point injections
- Ultrasound therapy
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
- Orthodontic treatment for bite correction
- Dental restorations to improve bite
Surgical Options
- Arthrocentesis (joint irrigation)
- Arthroscopy (minimally invasive)
- Modified condylotomy
- Open-joint surgery (severe cases)
- Joint replacement (rare cases)
Early intervention is key: Most TMJ disorders can be successfully managed with conservative treatments when addressed early. Our team at Copley Dental will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific symptoms and lifestyle factors.
Find Relief from TMJ Pain
Don't let TMJ pain control your life. Our experienced team can diagnose your condition and create a customized treatment plan to restore comfort and function.
Schedule Your TMJ Consultation