TMJ Disorders in Asheville, NC

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which is the name for each joint (right and left) that connects your jaw to your skull.

If you have had symptoms like pain or a “clicking” sound, these symptoms occur when the joints of the jaw and the chewing muscles (muscles of mastication) do not work together correctly.

TMJ disorders develop for many reasons. You might clench or grind your teeth, which tightens your jaw muscles and stresses your TM joint. You may have a damaged jaw joint due to injury or disease.

Injuries and arthritis can damage the joint directly or stretch or tear the muscle ligaments. As a result, the disk, which is made of cartilage and functions as the cushion of the jaw joint, can slip out of position.

Whatever the cause, the results may include a misaligned bite, pain, clicking, or grating noise when you open your mouth or trouble opening your mouth wide. Since some types of TMJ problems can lead to more serious conditions, early detection and treatment are important.

No one treatment can resolve TMJ disorders completely and treatment takes time to become effective. 

DO YOU HAVE A TMJ DISORDER?

• Are you aware of grinding or clenching your teeth?
• Do you wake up with sore, stiff muscles around your jaws?
• Do you have frequent headaches or neck aches?
• Does the pain get worse when you clench your teeth?
• Does stress make your clenching and pain worse?
• Does your jaw click, pop, grate, catch, or lock when you open your mouth?
• Is it difficult or painful to open your mouth, eat, or yawn?
• Have you ever injured your neck, head, or jaws?
• Have you had problems (such as arthritis) with other joints?
• Do you have teeth that no longer touch when you bite?
• Do your teeth meet differently from time to time?
• Is it hard to use your front teeth to bite or tear food?
• Are your teeth sensitive, loose, broken or worn?

The more times you answered “yes”, the more likely it is that you have a TMJ disorder. Understanding TMJ disorders will also help you understand how they are treated.

Call us if you have any questions: Asheville Office Phone Number 828-254-5677

TMJ TREATMENT

Once an evaluation confirms a diagnosis of TMJ disorder, Dr. Knollman will determine the proper course of treatment. 

The initial goals are to relieve the muscle spasm and joint pain. Self-care treatments can often be effective as well and include:

• Resting your jaw
• Keeping your teeth apart when you are not swallowing or eating
• Eating soft foods
• Applying ice and heat
• Exercising your jaw
• Practicing good posture

Stress management techniques such as biofeedback or physical therapy may also be recommended, as well as a night guard/splint. A night guard helps you stop clenching or grinding your teeth and reduces muscle tension at night and helps to protect the cartilage and joint surfaces. Appliances also help to protect from tooth wear.

WHAT ABOUT BITE CORRECTION OR SURGERY?

If your TMJ disorder has caused problems with how your teeth fit together, you may need treatment such as bite adjustment (equilibration), orthodontics, or restorative dental work.

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