Sia-Tankiko Dental Clinic

Menu
Book Appointment
Menu
Book Now
Menu

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)

Improve Jaw Function and Comfort with TMJ Treatments

A woman smiling widley after a successful temporomandibular joint disorder treatment
A teeth model in a dental clinic for temporomandibular joint disorder treatment

Temporomandibular Joint Overview

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) acts as a hinge connecting the jaw to the skull’s temporal bones, allowing for jaw movement essential for talking, chewing, and yawning. Moreover, this joint is complex, involving muscles, ligaments, discs, and bones working together. Consequently, TMJ disorders can cause pain, clicking or popping sounds, limited jaw movement, and discomfort. 

At Sia-Tankiko Dental Clinic, we provide comprehensive evaluations and treatments for TMJ disorders to alleviate symptoms and improve jaw function for our patients’ comfort and well-being.

A male patient talking to the receptionist of the clinic for temporomandibular joint disorder treatment

Signs and Symptoms

It is important to educate patients about the signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. These may include jaw pain, which can be localized or radiate to the face, neck, or ears.

Furthermore, patients might also experience clicking, popping, or grating sounds when moving their jaw, along with limited jaw movement.

Additionally, muscle tension, headaches, and ear pain are common symptoms associated with TMJ disorders. Changes in bite alignment, difficulty chewing, and facial swelling may also be indicators of a TMJ disorder. 

It is crucial for patients experiencing these symptoms to seek an evaluation at our clinic, Sia-Tankiko Dental Clinic, where we specialize in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders to improve their comfort and overall oral health.

A lady smiling widely after a successful temporomandibular joint disorder treatment

Treatment Options on Temporomandibular Joint

At Sia-Tankiko Dental Clinic, we offer personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s specific TMJ disorder symptoms and needs, aiming to provide effective relief and long-term management of TMJ-related issues. 

  1. Lifestyle Modifications: Encouraging stress management techniques, jaw relaxation exercises, and dietary changes to reduce symptoms.
  2. Pain Management: Prescribing medications, such as pain relievers, muscle relaxants, or anti-inflammatories, to alleviate discomfort and inflammation.
  3. Dental Treatments: Providing oral appliances, such as splints or mouthguards, to alleviate jaw clenching or teeth grinding that contribute to TMJ disorders.
  4. Physical Therapy: Recommending exercises, stretches, or massage therapy to improve jaw mobility, reduce muscle tension, and enhance jaw function.
  5. Stress Management: Additionally, suggesting stress-reducing techniques, such as relaxation exercises, counseling to minimize jaw clenching and tension.
  6. Bite Adjustments: Making adjustments to the bite alignment through orthodontic treatments or dental restorations to alleviate TMJ-related bite irregularities.
  7. Injections: Administering corticosteroid injections or Botox injections to reduce inflammation, muscle tension, and pain in the jaw joint.
  8. Surgery: In severe cases where conservative treatments are ineffective, surgical interventions may be considered to address structural issues in the TMJ.

Preventive Measures for Temporomandibular Joint

At Sia-Tankiko Dental Clinic, we emphasize the importance of preventive care to support overall oral health and well-being for our patients.

  1. Good Posture: Teaching patients about good posture can lessen TMJ strain, reducing the risk of issues.
  2. Stress Management Techniques: Encourage meditation, deep breathing, or exercise to ease jaw clenching and muscle tension tied to TMJ disorders.
  3. Excessive Jaw Movement: We suggest avoiding habits like gum chewing, nail-biting, or excessive jaw clenching to ease strain on the TMJ.
  4. Good Oral Habits: We stress avoiding teeth grinding and nail biting to prevent pressure on the TMJ, which can cause dysfunction.
  5. Balanced Diet: We advise patients to eat a nutrient-rich diet to boost oral health and minimize inflammation impacting the TMJ. 
  6. Proper jaw alignment. Avoid habits like resting your chin on your hand to prevent strain on the jaw joint. 
  7. Hydration: We also stress the importance of staying hydrated to support healthy joint function.
  8. Regular Dental Check-ups: Lastly, regular dental check-ups help detect TMJ issues early, enabling timely intervention and preventing complications.

Your oral health is our priority,
and we are here to support you every step of the way.

  • Previous

Oral Surgery

From tooth extractions and dental implant placements to corrective jaw surgery and treatment of oral pathologies, our practice is equipped to deliver advanced surgical solutions with precision and care.
  • Next

Teeth Cleaning

Through our thorough oral examinations, professional cleanings, and personalized oral hygiene instructions, we strive to ensure that you achieve and maintain optimal oral health.