The clicking or popping sounds coming from your jaw might be a sign of a problem with your temporomandibular joints (TMJ). These joints connect your lower jaw with the rest of your skull, allowing movement of your jaw in multiple directions.
TMJ disorders can have a significant impact on your quality of life, turning everyday tasks like chewing, speaking, and yawning into painful endeavors. Fortunately, dentists have non-surgical ways to address temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD), bringing relief to countless patients.
Some of the signs that the clicking sounds, pain, or tension coming from a patient’s jaw are caused by a temporomandibular joint disorder include:
Non-surgical treatment options for TMJ disorders Some of the non-surgical treatments a dentist might recommend for patients with TMD include:
These are custom-fitted oral appliances that protect teeth and cushion the TMJs during sleep, reducing the effects of teeth grinding and evening out bite forces. The American Dental Association states that night guards are an effective way to significantly reduce the muscle strain caused by TMDs when worn consistently.
Simple jaw stretches and muscle-strengthening exercises can help improve jaw mobility and alleviate tension. Our dentist may demonstrate exercises, such as controlled mouth opening and closing or side-to-side jaw movements, to help reduce tension in the jaw.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used to help manage the pain and inflammation caused by temporomandibular joint disorders. Topical anesthetics and muscle relaxers might also be recommended.
Minor reshaping of the tooth surface can help to even out bite forces on teeth. In some cases, teeth straightening treatments might be recommended to reduce stress placed on the TMJs.
Habits such as chewing gum all day, biting your nails, or resting your jaw on your hand can strain the TMJs.
Botulinum injections can be used to paralyze the muscles around the jaw, reducing tension in the temporomandibular joints. This is a short-term solution that requires follow-up treatments every six to 12 months.
These non-surgical treatments for TMDs are often combined for optimal results. Our dentist monitors your progress with follow-up visits and adjusts your plan as needed. Some of the benefits of this non-invasive approach include:
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Schedule a consultation with our general dentist if you are dealing with symptoms like clicking, popping, or grating sounds coming from your jaw, tense jaw muscles, or persistent headaches. Our dentist will evaluate your jaw and recommend appropriate treatments.
Request an appointment or call Sundance Dental Care at 623-687-2993 for an appointment in our Phoenix office.
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