Relieve Your Jaw Pain at Blue Stone Hills Dentistry

Jaw pain is often associated with muscles that function in tandem with the TMJ. The term “TMJ” relates to the temporomandibular joint which is located on both sides of a person’s head anterior to the ear. This joint is involved in our mouth’s opening and closing. Sometimes, due to injury, stress, or joint-related illnesses, these muscles may become inflamed and this can impact one’s ability to chew, speak, open, or close their mouth.

​Our doctors have extensive experience in the treatment and management of TMJ disorders and can work closely with you in helping to alleviate your pain and prevent recurrence.

Understanding the Anatomy of the Temporomandibular Joint

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most complex and frequently used joints in the human body, playing a pivotal role in chewing, speaking, and facial expressions. To fully appreciate the challenges of TMJ disorders, it’s important to understand the unique anatomy of this joint.

Location and Function

The TMJ is located on each side of your head, just in front of your ears. It connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the temporal bone of the skull. This joint is responsible for the movement and function of the jaw, allowing for motions such as opening and closing the mouth, chewing, and speaking.

Components of the TMJ

The TMJ is composed of several key components that work together to facilitate smooth and pain-free movement:

• The Condyle: This is the rounded top part of the mandible that fits into the joint socket. The condyle moves within the joint socket when the mouth opens and closes.
• The Articular Disc: This thin, oval-shaped disc is positioned between the condyle and the temporal bone. It acts as a cushion and smooths the movements between these bones, helping to distribute the load within the joint.
• The Capsule: Surrounding the joint is a flexible, fibrous capsule that encloses the components. This capsule is filled with synovial fluid, which lubricates the joint to prevent wear and facilitate movement.
• Ligaments and Muscles: Several ligaments and muscles support the TMJ. Ligaments attach the bones to each other and help stabilize the joint, while the muscles control the movements of the jaw.

Joint Movement

The TMJ is capable of both hinge and sliding motions:

• Hinge Action: This occurs when the jaw opens and closes in a simple up and down motion, similar to a hinge on a door.
• Gliding Action: This action allows the jaw to move forward and backward, as well as side to side, enabling complex movements necessary for chewing and grinding food.

This intricate anatomy allows the jaw to perform a wide range of movements, but it also makes the joint susceptible to various TMJ disorders. Understanding the structure and function of the TMJ is the first step in addressing any issues that may arise, ensuring effective and targeted treatment. At Blue Stone Hills Dentistry, your dentist Harrisonburg VA patients trust, we are equipped to diagnose and treat any disruptions in this complex system, helping you achieve relief and optimal oral health.

Initial Home Treatment for TMJ Pain

If a TMJ disorder is due to muscular pain from overuse particularly from clenching, which is often the case, a number of things can be done to relieve this discomfort. The following protocol should be observed for 2 weeks with follow-up with your dentist or oral surgeon if symptoms do not improve.

• Follow a soft diet with limited opening
• OTC NSAIDs (if tolerable) at regular intervals. Ibuprofen and Naproxen have been shown to be effective but should be taken with food and only if no systemic interactions are not of concern
• Alternating cold and warm compresses in the evening
• Gentle massage of the TMJ joint to loosen muscles and increase blood flow

TMJ Disorder Treatment From the Dentist

If clenching one’s jaw has caused the muscles in this area to become inflamed, your dentist may also recommend a nightguard or similar appliance to prevent your teeth from becoming damaged from grinding or clenching. Nightguards are great at preventing the breakdown of people’s teeth due to clenching-related trauma (“bruxism”). However, nightguards themselves are not necessarily the primary treatment for the muscular pain associated with TMJ disorders. Sometimes, additional treatment, often administered in tandem with an oral surgeon, is necessary to break the cycle of inflammation and discomfort.

There is also the possibility that TMJ disorders are due to bone degeneration, possibly from systemic illness such as rheumatoid arthritis or neuralgia. A complete work-up is necessary by either a dentist, ENT, or oral surgeon to appropriately evaluate TMJ disorders and recommend the best treatment.

Don’t Let TMJ Disorders Hold You Back

If you’re experiencing discomfort or dysfunction related to your jaw, don’t wait to seek help. TMJ disorders can significantly impact your quality of life, affecting everything from how you eat to how you speak and sleep. At Blue Stone Hills Dentistry, your dentist in Harrisonburg VA, we are committed to providing effective TMJ treatments that relieve pain and restore function. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a more comfortable and healthy life. Your well-being is our priority, and we are here to help you every step of the way.