The TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, connects your jawbone to your skull, functioning as a sliding hinge that lets you move your jaw up and down and side to side. This important joint helps you talk, chew, and yawn. When something goes wrong with this joint or the muscles around it, we call it a TMJ disorder or TMD. This can happen because of injury, arthritis, teeth grinding, or stress. Dr. Xuanyi Li offers specialized TMJ treatment in our Clarksville, IN, dental office.
With advanced training in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders, Dr. Li can help relieve your pain and restore proper function to your jaw.
Recognizing TMJ Symptoms
TMJ disorders can be tricky to diagnose because they often cause symptoms that might seem unrelated to your jaw. You might have a TMJ disorder if you experience:
- Frequent headaches, especially when you wake up
- Pain in your face, neck, or shoulders
- Clicking or popping sounds when you open or close
- Jaw locking or limited movement
- Teeth grinding or clenching
- Worn, chipped, or fractured teeth
- Earaches without ear infections.
These symptoms can vary from person to person and might come and go over time. Diagnosing TMJ disorders requires a thorough examination. During your consultation, Dr. Li will listen carefully to your symptoms and medical history. She will examine your jaw movement, check for tender areas around your jaw and face, listen for clicking or popping sounds, examine your teeth for signs of grinding or clenching, and use advanced digital technology to analyze your bite. This comprehensive approach helps us determine the underlying cause of your TMJ issues, which is important for effective treatment.
Treatment Options for TMJ Relief
Every patient’s TMJ disorder is unique, which is why Dr. Li creates personalized treatment plans. Depending on your specific diagnosis, your treatment may include oral appliance therapy, bite correction, physical therapy techniques, stress management, or restorative treatments.
A custom-made oral appliance or night guard can help keep your teeth and jaw in proper position during sleep. This prevents teeth grinding and clenching, which often contribute to TMJ pain. A TMJ night guard can significantly reduce symptoms and prevent further damage to your teeth.
If your TMJ issues stem from a misaligned bite, Dr. Li may recommend treatments to correct how your teeth fit together. This might include adjusting dental restorations or using orthodontic treatments to improve your bite.
Simple jaw exercises and stretches can help strengthen your jaw muscles and improve joint mobility. Dr. Li can show you specific techniques to practice at home that may help reduce pain and improve function. Since stress often contributes to teeth grinding and jaw clenching, learning stress reduction techniques can be an important part of TMJ treatment.
If your TMJ disorder has caused damage to your teeth, Dr. Li may recommend dental bonding, porcelain veneers, dental crowns, or other restorative procedures.
Benefits of TMJ Treatment
Treating your TMJ disorder can:
- Reduce or eliminate chronic pain in your jaw, face, and head
- Restore normal jaw movement and function
- Prevent further damage to your teeth and jaw joint
- Improve your sleep by reducing nighttime grinding and clenching
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I don’t treat TMJ?
TMJ pain often spreads to surrounding areas, causing earaches, headaches, or facial soreness that aren’t tied to a specific tooth. It may worsen with jaw movements like chewing or yawning. A thorough exam with Dr. Li will help determine if your symptoms are related to TMJ issues or another condition.
Untreated TMJ issues often get worse over time, leading to chronic pain, more frequent jaw-locking episodes, and increased inflammation. This can cause permanent damage to the joint surfaces or changes in your bite. Early treatment helps prevent long-term damage and more complex problems.
Is TMJ treatment covered by insurance?
Coverage for TMJ treatments varies widely by insurance plan. Some policies classify TMJ treatments under medical rather than dental benefits, or vice versa. Our office team can help you understand your coverage and work with your insurance provider to maximize your benefits.
What can I do if I have a bad bite that causes TMJ?
If an uneven bite contributes to your TMJ issues, orthodontic treatment might help by aligning your teeth and reducing pressure on your jaw. Dr. Li will determine if this approach could benefit your specific situation during your consultation.
Dr. Li can recommend gentle jaw exercises to strengthen and stretch your jaw muscles. Consistent practice of these exercises, along with hot or cold packs, can help reduce tension and pain. Always follow professional guidance to avoid overexertion.
Get Relief From TMJ Pain Today
If you’re experiencing jaw pain, headaches, or any other symptoms of TMJ disorders, don’t suffer in silence. Dr. Xuanyi Li has the advanced training and experience needed to diagnose and treat these complex conditions. Contact our Clarksville dental office today at (812) 506-2294 or schedule your TMJ consultation. Relief from your pain may be closer than you think.