Wisdom Teeth

Phone: 865-977-7110

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which is the name of each jaw joint that connects your jaw to your skull. TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders are a family of problems related to your jaw joint. TMJ disorders occur when the joints of the jaw, the chewing muscles (muscles of mastication) or the fit of the teeth are not working together in harmony.

Pain and limited function are typical with TMJ disorders. This can result in pain in the jaws and chewing muscles, in addition, you may have premature wearing of your teeth. Since some types of TMJ problems can lead to more serious conditions, early detection and treatment is important.

Our doctors are experienced in the conservative treatment of TMJ disorders. They will start with a thorough history and examination. Conservative measures are helpful for many patients.

Do You Have a TMJ Disorder?
Does your jaw hurt when you chew hard foods?
Have you quit chewing gum because your jaw hurts?
Does it feel like you have an earache, but the doctor sees no ear infection?
Are you grinding or clenching your teeth?
Does your jaw click, pop, grate, catch or lock when you open your mouth?
Do you wake up with sore, stiff muscles around your jaw?
Do you have headaches?
Do your teeth seem to fit differently from time to time?
Does stress make your clenching or pain worse?
It is difficult or painful to open your mouth, eat or yawn?
Have you had problems (such as arthritis) with other joints?
Has your bite changed or has the fit of your teeth changed?
Is it hard to use your front teeth to bite or tear food?
The more times you answered "yes", the more likely it is that you have a TMJ disorder. Understanding TMJ disorders will also help you understand how they are treated.

Treatment
Conservative treatment
Conservative treatment is usually indicated first. Heat or ice, soft diet, anti-inflammatory agents and occasionally muscle relaxants are typically prescribed. Splints are commonly used to optimize the occlusion (fit of the teeth). These hard, clear plastic appliances fit over the teeth and are used to help the jaw muscles relax and remove any interference (unhealthy contacts in the way the teeth fit together). This appliance can also help treat clenching or grinding by unloading the temporomandibular joint. This decreases the stress on the joint. Stress management techniques, such as biofeedback or physical therapy, may also be helpful.

Insurance
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction is a medical condition. The temporomandibular joint can be affected just like any other joint in your body.

For more information you can go to the American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons website:

http://www.aaoms.org/public/Pamphlets/PIP.TMJ.pdf

Dental Surgeons at Southeast Oral Surgery