TMJ Specialist In Salt Lake City, UT
Over 10 million Americans may suffer from temporomandibular joint and muscle (TMJ) disorders. At Warm Family Dentistry in Salt Lake City, Utah, Dr. Scott Cold diagnoses and treats this troublesome condition that hampers jaw function. TMJ disorders can be painful and disrupt your daily routine, so don’t hesitate to see Dr. Cold. If you notice persistent jaw pain and have trouble opening and closing your mouth, call or use the online scheduling agent to make an appointment and begin TMJ treatment in Salt Lake City, UT, 84123.
TMJ Q & A
What is a TMJ disorder?
The TMJ is a joint that functions as a sliding hinge, controlling the opening and closing of your jaw. One on each side of your jaw connects your jawbone to your skull. TMJ disorders cause pain in the joint and muscles that control jaw functions like chewing and speaking.
It’s often difficult to pin down specific causes of TMJ disorders. TMJ disorders can be linked to several risk factors, including:
- Jaw injury
- Certain forms of arthritis
- Chronic teeth grinding or clenching
- Connective tissue diseases
Discomfort from TMJ disorders is often temporary, and you can relieve it with self-managed care or nonsurgical therapeutic techniques.
What are the common signs and symptoms of a TMJ disorder?
Here are some common symptoms of TMJ disorders to look out for:
- Jaw pain (on one or both sides)
- Aching pain in and around your ear
- Painful chewing
- Aching facial pain or tenderness
- Difficulty opening or closing your mouth
If you have a TMJ disorder, you may also hear a clicking sound or feel a grating sensation when you chew or open your mouth. However, if you hear your jaw click but you have no difficulty opening or closing your mouth and feel no pain, you most likely don’t require treatment for a TMJ disorder.
How do you treat a TMJ disorder?
First, Dr. Cold examines your jaw. He listens for popping sounds when you open and close your mouth, observes your jaw’s range of motion, and presses on your jaw to assess pain and discomfort.
Since malocclusion — uneven bite problems — is often a trigger cause, Dr. Cold uses the T-Scan™ Novus™ dental occlusion analysis system. Its cutting-edge digital software helps Dr. Cold make precise adjustments to your teeth to correct malocclusion and treat the root cause of TMJ disorders.
He also offers prolotherapy, an orthopedic procedure that stimulates your body’s natural healing processes to restore injured joints and connective tissue, including the TMJ.
Prolotherapy involves a series of natural stem cell injections. Dr. Cold administers these directly to your TMJ to elicit a mild inflammatory response. Your body’s natural reaction is to grow new, healthy ligament and tendon fibers, which strengthens your damaged TMJ. Ongoing treatment helps you develop strong tissue over time, leading to a full recovery.
If you suspect you have a TMJ disorder, call or use the online booking tool today and schedule appointment with a TMJ specialist at our Salt Lake City office.
Our approach has attracted patients from all over the area, including West Jordan, Kessler, Taylorsville, and Kearns.
FAQs
TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder, affects the jaw joint causing various symptoms like pain, problems chewing, jaw popping, and even headaches. Some of the most common reasons for TMJ problems include trauma to the TMJ, arthritis, teeth grinding, misalignment of teeth or jaw, and tumor and cysts in the jaw. Overuse of the jaw, such as excessive gum chewing or nail biting, can also cause TMJ issues.
TMJ pain can result from an underlying condition that might need medical attention. It is best to visit your dentist if you have frequent TMJ pain. However, before you reach the dentist, here are a few things you should do: use over-the-counter pain meds, alternate between ice and heat to relieve the pain, and gentle jaw exercises can help improve jaw mobility and reduce pain.
Surgery is often the last resort for treating TMJ disorders when other conservative treatment approaches have failed. In most cases, TMJ can be effectively managed with non-surgical treatments, such as pain medication, physical therapy, or splint therapy. Surgery may be necessary in some severe cases to correct jaw alignment or remove any structural problems causing TMJ pain.
While the abbreviations TMJ and TMD are often used interchangeably, they refer to different aspects of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint itself, which is the joint that articulates the jawbone to the skull. TMD, on the other hand, refers to the disorders or conditions that affect the temporomandibular joint. TMD can cause pain, difficulty chewing, jaw popping or clicking, and headaches.
TMJ disorders can be painful and uncomfortable. Here are some tips you can use to prevent them from occurring-
Use mouthguards if you grind your teeth
Avoid extreme jaw movements
If an underlying dental issue causes the TMD, visit your dentist to get it fixed.
Stress can also precipitate TMD; try using stress management strategies like meditation.
Avoid excessive gum chewing or nail biting
Although the best way to treat TMJ disorders is to address the underlying condition causing it, several home remedies can provide symptomatic relief.
Apply heat and cold packs alternatively to manage the pain
Gently massage the jaw and neck muscles which can help them relax
Avoid chewy and hard foods
Practice relaxation techniques
Over-the-counter pain relief medicines can help reduce the pain.