Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder:

TMJ is the joints that connect the jaw to the skull. TMJ disorders occur within the jaw joint. It can sometimes cause pain or cause the jaw to create a clicking sound from the jaw. Symptoms of TMJ disorders occur when the muscles used to chew are not working in unison. Treating the disorder is relatively easy.

Early detection of TMJ disorders can prevent other serious problems from occurring. Treatment of TMJ disorders can take time before seeing results. Dr. Dean Salo is a certified dentist that dedicated himself to making sure his patients feel comfortable and maintain a healthy jaw.

Cause of TMJ disorders:

TMJ disorders can be caused by a number of things. TMJ disorders can be caused by a number of things like, stress on the joint, tightened jaw muscles, teeth grinding or clenching. Other factors like arthritic or injuries that cause direct jaw damage could cause the joint to stretch or even tear. These types of injuries could increase the risk for a disk to slip out its place, creating pain and trouble opening the mouth. In some cases, it can also cause a misaligned bite.

Are you at risk for TMJ Disorder?

  • Do you find yourself constantly clenching or grinding your teeth?
  • Do you wake up with a stiff jaw?
  • Are you experiencing neck aches or headaches frequently?
  • Does clenching your teeth cause you pain?
  • Do you notice an increase in pain or clenching occur when you are stressed?
  • Do you notice a popping or clicking sound when you open your mouth?
  • Do you find it difficult to open your mouth, eat, or yawn?
  • Have you had any head, neck or jaw injuries?
  • Do you have arthritis?
  • If you bite down, do all of your teeth touch?

If you answered “yes” to most of the questions, you may be at risk for TMJ Disorder. If you feel like you are at risk contact Dr. Salo to book an appointment. It’s important to understand the disorder to get proper treatment.

Treatment:

There are many options available for individuals that have a TMJ disorder. Each patient receives an evaluation to determine the exact diagnosis. Dr. Salo works with each patient to find the appropriate treatment necessary.

Our goal for each patient is to alleviate the pain and potential muscle spasms that could be occurring. Pain relievers can be vital for reducing inflammation, relaxing the muscle, and reducing pain.

Other TMJ treatments include:

  • Resting the jaw
  • Keeping teeth apart white chewing or swallowing
  • Eating soft foods
  • Applying ice or heat packs to the jaw
  • Exercising the jaw
  • Practicing good posture

Physical therapy is a great stress management technique for those that are suffering from TMJ. A nightguard is a type of splint that is placed over the top or the bottom teeth to reduce clenching or grinding during sleep. This guard helps relax the muscles and reduce pain from occurring. The nightguard can also lessen muscle tension, as well as protect the joint cartilage and surfaces.

Another treatment for TMJ disorders is the anterior positioning appliance. This appliance helps by moving the jaw forward relieving any pressure that is occurring while repositioning the disk. We suggest wearing this appliance 24 hours/day to heal properly.

Getting physical therapy:

Inflammation in the joint can occur like any other type of joint in the body. Physical therapy is some cases of TMJ disorders. For those needing to get physical therapy, Dr. Salo has a staff of trained physical therapists available. TMJ injections are available for patients that have inflammation.

Correctional surgery:

Reconstructive surgery may be required for patients that are having problems with their teeth. Only severe cases require surgery or joint repair.  Dr. Salo only advises surgery as a last resort if patients are unable to open their jaw, have severe degeneration, dislocation, or have had unsuccessful therapy treatments.

abilization appliances may also be worn all day or only at night to help move your jaw into the correct position. Appliances can also help protect your tooth from wear.

PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR TMJ

Because TMJ is a joint is just like any other joint in the human body, it can sometimes become inflamed. Dr. Salo and his well-trained staff are able to treat the TMJ joint with exceptional care.  TMJ therapy is available, such as TMJ injections for inflammation or Cold Laser Sessions. When necessary, hand selected TMJ trained physical therapists in the area are available for us to work who help with further physical therapy modalities.

WHAT ABOUT BITE CORRECTION OR SURGERY?

A bite adjustment (equilibration), restorative dental work, or orthodontics with jaw reconstruction may be necessary if your TMJ disorder has resulted in problems with the way your teeth fit together. Options that require surgery, such as open joint repair restructuring or arthroscopy are sometimes necessary but are only available for severe cases. TMJ surgery is typically not considered by Dr. Salo unless the jaw cannot be opened, has severe degeneration, is dislocated, or the patient has undergone appliance and physical therapy treatment unsuccessfully.