TMJ Disorders: The Chronic Issue You Didn’t Know Your Dentist Can Treat

It makes perfect sense to visit your dentist when you’re experiencing a toothache or other dental problem, but you’re pretty sure you’ll need a different type of doctor for chronic jaw pain. Right?

Actually, dentists are qualified to treat many cases of jaw pain! If the underlying issue is your TMJ, your dentist has a couple of different possible solutions up their sleeve. Keep reading to learn more about the chronic discomfort you didn’t know your dentist can treat!

What Is TMJ?

Simply put, TMJ is an abbreviation for the temporomandibular joint – and TMJD is short for temporomandibular joint disorder. This joint is located towards the back of your jaw, and acts like a hinge for upper and lower mandibula. It’s the reason you’re able to open and close your mouth. If you have chronic jaw pain, it could be because physical stress is being exerted on your TMJ and transferred to the connecting jawbone.

Why Does My Dentist Treat TMJDs?

Technically, your TMJ is part of your oral cavity, making it part of your dentist’s domain. Plus, sometimes the thing exerting stress on the TMJ is teeth! Bruxism (which is a fancy word for teeth grinding and clenching) instances put significant pressure on your pearly whites that makes it all the way to your TMJ and jawbone, causing discomfort or stiffness. A misaligned bite can create a similar effect.

What Does a TMJ Treatment Look Like?

It depends on your unique oral situation – in other words, it depends on what’s actually causing your jaw pain. Generally speaking, though, your dentist might recommend one of two treatments:

• Wearing a custom nightguard while you sleep. This puts a barrier between your teeth and any bruxism instances, softening the blow to your TMJ.
• Orthodontics like Invisalign. If the problem is a misaligned bite, shifting your oral structure into a more ideal position will likely provide relief.

In either case, it’s your dentist that you should consult for jaw pain. They’ll take a close look at your teeth, looking for signs of bruxism or misalignment. Once they have a diagnosis, you can bet they’ll keep you informed and help you choose the best treatment plan for restoring your oral comfort!

About the Author

Dr. Christopher Capehart earned his doctor of dental surgery degree and graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. He stays on top of the latest technology and techniques in dentistry, including TMJ therapy treatments. If you’re experiencing chronic jaw pain, Dr. Capehart will gladly examine your mouth and provide treatment so you can return to a discomfort-free routine. To contact his office, call 972-436-1325.