I have headaches frequently.  Is this related to possible TMJ problems?

 

Of course, a thorough examination would be necessary to cover this question accurately. However, if I see that you have worn teeth from grinding this may be a clue.  Clenching or grinding is also called bruxism, and can create muscle tension, and muscle spasms, which then creates pressure on the blood vessels in the head and inflammation in the TMJ (joint).  Inflammation in the TMJ can refer pain to your head, eye, neck, shoulders, and ears.

Sometimes my TMJ pops and clicks when I open my mouth.  Is this a concern?

As a general policy I do not treat for joint noise unless it is associated with TMJ pain or discomfort.  80% of the public experiences some TMJ noise in their life.  If your joint locks in an open or closed position this is more dangerous and should have TMJ treatment.

How long do I have to wear my TMJ splint?

I look for some improvement within 1-3 months.  If your TMJ condition began many years ago then it may take longer than if TMJ symptoms developed more recently.  Initially, I check my patients TMJ splint every week until I see some improvement, then every two weeks.  Physical therapy or massage should be done 1 or 2 times per week.

What are some of the causes of TMJ pain?

1. The most common in psychological stress leads o clenching, muscle tension and joint inflammation.
2. Another cause is physical trauma such as a direct impact to the lower jaw, or whiplash.  Whiplash is often experienced from sports or car accidents, where the head moves in a rapid direction and the lower jaw snaps downward and stretches the TMJ ligaments.
3. Another cause of TMJ pain can be as a result of lower teeth extractions, especially 3rd molars or wisdom teeth.  I have treated many patients who have received several anesthesia or IV sedation and developed TMJ pain.  Under anesthesia the patient has no awareness of how much torque the doctor is exerting on their joint when the tooth is being leveraged out of the jaw.  Even with local anesthesia, any extraction on the lower jaw must be done carefully and with complete respect for the delicate nature of TMJ.
4. If you have had adult (bicuspid extractions) then you may experience TMJ pain.  If the orthodontist angles your front teeth excessively inward to close the space created from the extractions, this can cause a posturing of your lower jaw in an unhealthy position in your TMJ space.

If you have any questions about your TMJ pain please schedule a consultation appointment with me as soon as possible. My dental office is located in San Diego near La Jolla in the University Town Center.