Understanding TMJ and Finding Relief
At Mattson Hellickson Dental in Beaverton, we know how TMJ pain can affect your daily life. From eating difficulties to constant headaches, TMJ disorders can be frustrating and painful. Our team is here to help you understand your condition and find the right treatment for lasting relief.
What is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. This joint works like a sliding hinge, letting you move your jaw up and down and side to side. When this joint or the muscles around it don’t work properly, you may have what’s called a TMJ disorder.
TMJ disorders can happen for many reasons:
- Teeth grinding or clenching, often during sleep
- Injury to the jaw or joint
- Arthritis in the joint
- Stress, which can cause you to tighten facial and jaw muscles
- Bite problems, when your teeth don’t fit together correctly
What Are the Signs of TMJ?
Do any of these symptoms sound familiar? You might have a TMJ disorder if you experience:
- Pain or tenderness in your jaw, especially when chewing
- Aching pain around your ear
- Headaches, often when you wake up
- Difficulty or pain when opening or closing your mouth
- A clicking or popping sound when you open your mouth
- Jaw that gets “stuck” or “locked” in position
- Face pain that spreads to your neck and shoulders
- Teeth that feel sensitive without any dental problems
Many people don’t realize these symptoms are connected to their jaw joint. We can help identify if TMJ is causing your discomfort.
TMJ Treatment at Mattson Hellickson Dental
The good news is that TMJ disorders can be treated! Our Beaverton dental team offers several effective treatment options:
- Custom Oral Appliances: We can create a custom-fitted mouthguard or night guard that you wear while sleeping. These devices prevent teeth grinding and clenching and keep your jaw in proper alignment. They also reduce pressure on the joint and protect your teeth from damage.
- Bite Adjustment: If your bite is uneven, we can make small adjustments to help your teeth fit together better. This can take pressure off your jaw joint.
- Stress Management Techniques: Since stress often makes TMJ worse, we can suggest relaxation exercises for your jaw muscles and stress reduction tips.
- Physical Therapy Recommendations: Specific jaw exercises can strengthen muscles and improve mobility in your jaw joint.
- Medication: For some patients, anti-inflammatory medications or muscle relaxants may help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Advanced Treatment Options: For more severe cases, we may recommend specialized treatments or refer you to a TMJ specialist.
Schedule Your TMJ Consultation Today
Getting treatment for your TMJ disorder can:
- Reduce or eliminate jaw pain and headaches
- Make eating more comfortable
- Improve your sleep quality
- Prevent damage to your teeth from grinding
- Reduce ear pain and ringing
- Increase your overall quality of life
If you’re experiencing jaw pain, headaches, or any other TMJ symptoms, don’t wait to get help. At Mattson Hellickson Dental in Beaverton, we’re experienced in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders.
Contact our office today at 503-308-7664 or schedule your consultation online. We’ll work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and helps you find lasting relief from TMJ pain.
