TMJ Disorder Treatment

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) allows your lower jaw to open, close, and move from side to side. You can feel the TMJ by placing two fingers in front of the ears while opening and closing the mouth. TMJ disorder occurs when pain is experienced in this joint and the surrounding muscles.

TMJ Disorder Symptoms

TMJ disorder can present itself in several ways. You may have a TMJ disorder if you experience any of the symptoms listed below. You may experience all, some, or just one of the following:

  • Pain in the facial muscles

  • Pain in the ears or jaw joints

  • Grating, popping, or clicking sounds as mouth opens and closes

  • Difficulty chewing foods

  • Increased headaches or dizziness

  • Pain or ringing of ear, or hearing loss

  • Trouble opening mouth all the way

An oral surgeon can diagnose TMJ disorders and determine the best way to treat the problem. While the cause of TMJ disorders is not always known, it may stem from other conditions, including:

  • Excessive grinding or clenching of teeth

  • Injury to jaw or surrounding area

  • Displaced or perforated disk in the joint

  • Arthritis

The first goals of TMJ treatment are to alleviate the pain by relieving the muscle spasm. A pain reliever, anti-inflammatory, or muscle relaxant may be prescribed. Steroids that are applied to the affected area may also be an option. In many cases of TMJ disorder, continuous self-care treatments have proven to be highly effective as part of an overall treatment plan. Some of these at-home treatments include:

  • Eating foods that are soft and easy to chew

  • Applying ice and heat

  • Resting your jaw

  • Exercising your jaw

  • Keeping teeth apart when not swallowing or eating

  • Improved posture

TMJ Arthrocentesis

TMJ Arthrocentesis is commonly defined as the lavage or wash out of the temporomandibular joint using small sterile needles and saline or lactated Ringer’s solution. This procedure is predictable, non-invasive and effective in improving pain by reducing joint inflammation and increasing jaw mobility by removing joint adhesions (scar tissue) and small bone spurs. TMJ Arthrocentesis is an office-based procedure performed under local anesthesia and IV sedation.

The maximum effects of a treatment plan for a TMJ disorder will be experienced over time. Dr. Nishimoto will work with you to ensure your jaw and surrounding muscles are as comfortable as possible. If you are experiencing TMJ disorder, we encourage you to call our office to meet with Dr. Nishimoto for a consultation. We look forward to caring for you.