Albuquerque TMJ Treatment

What Is a TMJ Disorder?

The temporomandibular joints connect the jawbone to the skull. There is one temporomandibular joint located on each side of your face.

These jaw joints are complicated structures that involve interactions with bone, cartilage disks, facial and cranial muscles, and nerves.

A TMJ disorder (TMD) refers to a dysfunction that affects the normal movement and use of the jaw. The term “TMJ disorder” can actually refer to several conditions that cause pain and inflammation in the joints and surrounding tissues. Temporomandibular joint disorders can make it difficult to bite, chew, speak, and make certain facial expressions.

Symptoms of a TMJ Disorder

Headaches, Teeth Grinding & Other Common Signs

• Effects on the Teeth & Face
• Popping or clicking when closing or opening the mouth
• Stiffness or locking of the jaw
• Fatigue of the facial muscles
• Jaw pain or soreness
• Damaged teeth

Other Health Issues

• Tension headaches or migraines
• Eye pain or blurry vision
• Dizziness
• Ear pain or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Sore neck and shoulders

The Causes of TMJ Disorders

Malocclusion
When you have crooked teeth, the resulting bite imbalance can cause additional strain on different parts of the mouth. This can gradually result in TMJ dysfunction.

Jaw Misalignment
In addition to tooth misalignment, poor jaw joint alignment can lead to TMD. This could be the result of genetics, facial trauma, or gradual wear and tear.

Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
Teeth grinding happens when your teeth cannot find a comfortable resting position during sleep. Your teeth will shift and clench, causing strain on the TMJs.

Damaged or Worn Teeth
Whether caused by clenching or tooth decay and fractures, worn teeth throw off the alignment of your bite, making temporomandibular disorders more likely.

Arthritis
Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) can all affect the jaw joint, resulting in varying degrees of temporomandibular disorders.

Facial Trauma
Injuries to the face, head, and especially the jaw make TMD more likely. In fact, a jaw injury sustained years ago may contribute to TMD later in life.

Temporomandibular Disorder Solutions

As an expert in temporomandibular disorders, Dr. Tim Kelly in Albuquerque, NM, is uniquely qualified to help you find a solution that can provide long-term relief. Possible treatments that our practice can provide for this complex condition can include:

Biologic Orthopaedic Positioner

This device, also called a splint, isn’t a treatment per se; instead, it is an important means of finding the proper position of the lower jaw. This custom device fits comfortably over the teeth to gently reposition the jaw and relieve strain on the joints. It is regularly adjusted over the course of two to three months to find the ideal jaw position. Once Dr. Kelly determines the correct position, he can recommend treatments that will help to achieve a permanent change that no longer requires wearing the splint device.

Corrective Dental Treatment

Corrective dental treatment that improves the bite and its relationship to the TMJs can only be attempted after a correct diagnosis is established and proven as the cause of the symptoms. This type of TMJ treatment is considered non-reversible and may include braces and other orthodontic treatments, adjusting your bite with the use of restorations such as dental crowns, and replacement of tooth form using crowns, bonding, and other restorative dentistry solutions.

Custom Nightguard

If you suffer from bruxism, Dr. Kelly may create a custom nightguard for you to wear while you sleep. A night guard is a simple plastic retainer that is molded to your teeth. The nightguard prevents direct contact between the upper and lower dental arches. This reduces the strain on the jaw joint if you clench your teeth during sleep. The nightguard also reduces the wear and tear on your teeth caused by bruxism. Nightguards may be used in combination with other TMD treatments.

Jaw Surgery

Surgical intervention is usually only necessary in very complex cases that cannot be resolved with more conservative solutions. If Dr. Kelly determines that he cannot provide lasting TMJ relief through solutions such as orthodontics or custom restorations, he can refer you to trusted colleagues who can help determine if surgery is absolutely necessary.

BOTOX Injections

BOTOX® injections are a well-known treatment to correct cosmetic issues, such as wrinkles. However, BOTOX injections are also a noninvasive treatment option to help relieve painful TMJ symptoms. These injections work by relaxing tense muscles in the jaw. This relieves tension in the joints and muscles, which is often a major contributor to TMD and associated symptoms such as headaches and pain.

“Thank you for getting rid of my TMJ pain.”

A long-time patient of Dr. Timothy M. Kelly’s, Lauren started noticing TMJ symptoms as an adult. She knew she could trust our Albuquerque dentist for care that actually helped. Dr. Kelly developed a week-by-week plan for Lauren that has completely relieved her jaw pain and headaches, and she says she’s thankful for the treatment.

Treating TMJ Issues

3 Primary Steps

TMJ is a complex condition, and no two cases are exactly alike. If a series of diagnostic tests at our Albuquerque, NM, office reveal that your TMJ discomfort is the result of a misaligned bite, your treatment plan could involve:

Lifestyle Changes
If you experience symptoms of a temporomandibular disorder, it is best to avoid overuse of the jaw muscles by eating soft foods, cutting food into small bites, and avoiding chewing gum and other chewy or sticky food. Ice and over-the-counter (OTC) ibuprofen are the first recommended treatments for acute pain in or around the TMJs. We try to avoid using pharmaceuticals at all costs.

Splint Therapy
If a bite discrepancy is discovered, Dr. Kelly might suggest a mandibular orthopedic splint to align and stabilize the lower jaw. This is a diagnostic tool that initiates healing, and patients often begin to feel an improvement soon after they start using it. Many notice a decrease in headaches and neck pain and say that they sleep better. It usually takes eight to 12 weeks of full-time splint wear to allow your body to adapt and get to a stable joint position of the TMJs.

Permanent Treatment
Permanent treatment to maintain this ideal jaw position can now be discussed. By having an understanding of how the healthy chewing system functions, we can design a specific plan to maintain your health and comfort. This may include orthodontic treatment, adjusting the bite, and repairing any damaged teeth. Surgery is usually not necessary and is typically only warranted in acute injury situations such as whiplash.