Developing a successful treatment plan for temporomandibular disorders (TMD) requires knowledge of the patient and the likely causes of their temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain. At Miami Dental Solutions, our dentist, Dr. Chin is skilled at listening to your complaint, diagnosing your situation and developing answers. So here are some of the root causes of TMDs and treatments for these disorders.
Causes of TMJ Pain
When the temporomandibular joint is painful, the causes can be genetic, traumatic, due to habit, or a combination of these. In the first case, the actual structure of the jaws, mouth, teeth or the joints themselves contribute to the problem. In cases of trauma, an unexpected injury is the culprit, often from sports collisions or transportation accidents. Bad habits can also lead to TMDs, as we will see. Therefore, any of the following situations can lead to TMJ pain:
- Habitual grinding of the teeth (bruxism);
- Stress or tension in daily life;
- Arthritis or other forms of inflammation;
- Trauma to the jaw, head or neck;
- Musculoskeletal disorders, such as fibromyalgia;
- Malocclusions of the jaw;
- Genetic abnormalities in the joint or jaw.
Each of these causes presents its own challenges for treatment, but Dr. Chin at Miami Dental Solutions is all about facing these problems with you and resolving the complications to your benefit. So here’s what we can do during a progressive treatment of TMJ pain.
Treatment for TMJ Pain
At first, we want to use therapies that are non-invasive. Immediately heading to oral surgery is not the best answer! Initially, both stress reduction techniques and over-the-counter painkillers can resolve minor TMJ issues. Next, any specific causes should be addressed. Pain from teeth grinding can be alleviated with a nightguard. Malocclusions are repaired with orthodontics. Even abnormally shaped jaws and arches can be reshaped without oral surgery using orthodontic techniques. If none of these therapies are effective, oral surgery may be attempted if we can point to a specific aspect of the TMJ that requires repair.
At every step our caring staff are there to help you deal with the pain and the anxiety that it causes. For more help and advice with TMJ disorders, please contact us on the phone or online at Miami Dental Solutions.