TMJ & TMD Therapy in Hamilton, NJ

Misaligned Teeth

When teeth are missing or out of alignment, it causes the jaw to shift positions and the muscles to work harder to chew, swallow, and bite. This will eventually cause muscle spasms, tension and pain. Schedule an appointment with our team today. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon can evaluate your upper and lower teeth to determine the most appropriate treatment for you.

Genetics

Some people may have a genetic predisposition to developing temporomandibular disorders. If someone else in your family suffers from TMJ symptoms, it may be worthwhile to consult with a doctor or dentist to discuss the possibility that you may have TMJ dysfunction as well.

Arthritis

Sometimes, arthritis can be the cause of TMJ disorder. Osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear arthritis), rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune disease), and psoriatic arthritis can affect the jaw joint, leading to temporomandibular joint disorders.

Jaw Injury

Any trauma or injury to the jaw or temporomandibular joint can cause TMJ disorder. This could include a direct blow to the jaw or conditions that force the jaw into a misaligned position, such as whiplash. If you have recently suffered jaw trauma, visit Hamilton Dental Associates ASAP for TMJ & TMD therapy in Hamilton, NJ.

Orthopedic Problems

Inflammation, sore muscles, strained tendons and ligaments, and disk problems in the temporomandibular joint directly affect your jaw function, potentially leading to TMJ disorders. This may be why poor joint mobility is an often underreported common symptom of TMJ disorders. While physical therapy cannot eliminate TMJ disorder by itself, a physical therapist may be able to help you deal with some TMD symptoms caused by orthopedic issues.

Strain on Jaw Muscles or Joint

This can be due to overuse of the jaw muscles (for example, from chronic teeth grinding or clenching), poor posture that strains the neck and facial muscles, or even stress, which can cause people to tighten their facial and jaw muscles. If you have a habit of nighttime teeth grinding that is causing myofascial pain, it’s time to contact a doctor or dentist for assistance.

Other Health Conditions

Certain other health conditions, including some types of headaches and fibromyalgia, have been associated with adverse effects on the jaw joint. If this is the case, our oral surgeons may recommend speaking with your medical care team before we prescribe oral splints, prescription medications, or other TMJ pain treatments.

Headaches & Migraines

Frequent headaches, facial pain, or aching neck muscles may be causing constant cranial strain. Headaches from dental stress are a type of muscle tension headache. A tension headache may be on one or both sides of your head and feels like a dull, non-throbbing ache that can usually be relieved by over-the-counter medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Jaw clenching, either while awake or while sleeping, can set the stage for a chronic headache or migraine pain. If you have a tooth grinding or jaw clenching habit, contact us today for TMJ & TMD therapy in Hamilton, NJ. We specialize in nonsurgical treatments that can relieve pain in your jaw joint and treat TMJ dysfunction.

Ear Congestion

Ear congestion is another symptom that can be associated with temporomandibular disorders. Given the close anatomical relationship between this vital jaw joint and the ear, inflammation or dysfunction in jaw joints can result in feelings of fullness, pressure, or even pain in the ear. Some patients with TMJ disorders may also experience tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or changes in hearing due to this congestion.

Tingling or Numbness in Fingers

While it might seem unrelated, tingling or numbness in the fingers can indeed be a symptom of TMD. Temporomandibular disorders can sometimes lead to muscle imbalances and postural changes that put pressure on nerves, resulting in these sensations in the extremities. Additionally, chronic pain from TMJ disorder can in turn cause stress and anxiety, which can contribute to physiological responses like tingling or numbness.

Bite Splints

If you have TMJ dysfunction, we may recommend bite splints (also called oral splints), which are acrylic devices worn on the upper teeth to reposition the jaw joints to the correct neuromuscular position. Having your jaw positioned correctly will relieve pain and create less tension, reducing TMJ dysfunction. While you are being treated with bite splints, we recommend extreme jaw movements and teeth grinding. We also recommend that you avoid chewing gum, as gum chewing can exacerbate existing TMJ dysfunction issues.