Figuring Out Whether You Need TMJ
Treatments in Chander

Dentist Chandler AZ TMJ Pain

Temporomandibular joints in Chandler, TMJs, lay on each side of the face in front of the ears, connecting the skull and the lower jaw. Composed of muscles, tendons, and bones, the parts of the TMJ structures can all affect feeling in the jaw area. TMJ disorder can cause chronic headaches and pain, resulting from irritated or damaged jaw joints.

Dentist Mark Arooni in Chandler provides symptoms of TMJ disorder:

  • Tenderness in the jaw and neck and around the ears when chewing, speaking, or opening one’s mouth
  • Swelling on the side of the face
  • Popping or clicking of the jaw when chewing
  • Cracked or chipped teeth
  • Headaches
  • Earaches
  • Tingling fingers or toes

Chandler Dentist Explains How to Determine if you Suffer From TMJ Disorder

If you have any symptoms of TMJ disorder, contact us at (480) 351-0963 to schedule an appointment at our Chandler, AZ practice. Toothaches or sinus issues can cause symptoms often attributed to TMJ disorder, which can be determined with a physical examination. Dr. Arooni will inspect your jaw, assessing whether swelling exists and at what points you feel tenderness or pain. He will also listen for signs of TMJ disorder, which manifest through popping, clicking, or grinding sounds. If necessary, Dr. Arooni will take x-rays for an accurate diagnosis.


Causes of TMJ Disorder Determine Treatments

People experience TMJ disorder primarily because of damage or injury to the TMJs. Certain health situations, such as pregnancy or periods of high stress, also affect the state of the jaw joints.

Treatments for TMJ disorder vary based on cause. For example, treating a fractured jawbone will be more invasive than treating inflamed muscles caused by arthritis.

Misalignment of the teeth, which affects occlusion, or bite, can also cause TMJ symptoms. A common habit called bruxism, when a person clenches or grinds his or her teeth while sleeping, can negatively impact or exacerbate TMJ disorder symptoms as well.


Treatment Options Can Be Tools

Remedies such as ice packs on the joint or in the area that is tender, and over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can alleviate pain associated with TMJ disorder in Chandler. Addressing inflammation mitigates swelling around the TMJs, relieving discomfort.

Mouthguards specifically designed to hold the jaw joints in a resting position while sleeping help the jaw muscles and nerves relax. Sometimes, jaw muscles can reprogram using a TMJ mouthguard.


Treatment Options Can Be Practices

Daily habits can supplement other treatments that ease TMJ disorder pain. In addition to taking anti-inflammatory medication and using a mouthguard, practicing the actions below could significantly alleviate discomfort.

  • Avoid chewing gum, which can exacerbate inflamed muscles.
  • Massage and stretch the jaw and neck, relieving tension in those muscles.
  • Do yoga or exercise to reduce stress.

Treatment Options Can Be Procedures

Porcelain veneers, bridges, crowns, or Invisalign® can improve occlusion (bite) issues to mitigate TMJ disorder symptoms. Correcting the bite improves mouth function which ultimately affects the TMJs.

Should your case require surgery, Dr. Arooni will refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Fractured jawbones causing TMJ disorder necessitate extensive care.


Extent/Duration of Treatment Varies

Usually, patients can treat TMJ symptoms with self-care at home. The tools and practices listed above fall under this category. If deeper, underlying issues cause TMJ symptoms, patients will need a more long-term treatment, such as use of a mouthguard for an indefinite period of time, or until symptoms disappear.

TMJ disorder can disrupt how you enjoy your life, but it is treatable. With the right diagnosis and evaluation of how to treat what’s causing the issues, you can handle and move past the pain. Call us at (480) 351-0963 to schedule an appointment at Mark Arooni DDS in Chandler, AZ office today.