Exploring the Types of TMJ Surgery

Exploring the Types of TMJ Surgery

by | Mar 15, 2023 | TMJ

Exploring the Types of TMJ Surgery

Your Guide to Relief

What Are the Types of TMJ Surgery?

A TMJ disorder is a common condition. Millions of people across the country suffer from debilitating jaw joint pain. TMJ disorders can make it difficult to open your mouth to eat and speak. Most cases can be treated with non-surgical options. Rest, lifestyle changes, and medication are all effective for mild TMJ pain. But more severe cases will need surgical intervention.     There are several types of TMJ surgery. Each one targets different aspects of the disorder. The most commonly used surgical procedures for TMJ disorder include 
  • Arthroscopy
  • Arthrocentesis
  • Open joint surgery
  • Total joint replacement
Each of these procedures has its own unique benefits and drawbacks. Knowing which one is right for you depends on your unique case. You need to discuss all of these options with your medical team. They will diagnose your TMJ disorder and help you make the right decision. In this blog post, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the different types of TMJ surgery. We’ll discuss what to expect during the procedure and recovery time. We’ll also look at how to know if each type is right for you. Whether you are experiencing mild discomfort or severe pain this post will help you understand your options for treatment and make an informed decision about your healthcare.

TMJ Arthrocentesis

The least invasive type of TMJ surgery is arthrocentesis. During arthrocentesis, your surgeon washes the joint out with a saline solution. In order to do this, your surgeon will insert needles into the joint. Flushing the joint like this remove excess scar tissue and any inflammatory chemicals. Sometimes, corticosteroids or other medications are also injected into the joint. 

Recovery and What to Expect

Because arthrocentesis is not very invasive the recovery time is very short. It’s performed as an outpatient procedure, so you should be able to go home the same day. The entire procedure should only take about 20 minutes per joint. You may need a day or two after the procedure to rest a bit. But other than that, you should be able to get back to your regular life pretty quickly.  TMJ arthrocentesis is the most successful type of TMJ surgery. You should start to see improvements in your joint within a few days. Depending on your case you will only need one procedure. But if the pain persists you may need more.

Am I a Candidate for This Type of TMJ Surgery?

Just like with any other medical procedure, TMJ arthrocentesis is not right for everyone. You need to discuss all of your options with your medical team before making a decision.  This type of TMJ surgery is right for patients who:
  • Have arthritis
  • Have a hard time opening their mouth
  • Haven’t seen success with non-surgical options
If your TMJ pain is more severe, or if this procedure doesn’t help, you need to look into other options.

TMJ Arthroscopy

Another minimally invasive type of TMJ surgery, arthroscopy does involve a small incision above your joint. Your surgeon will then insert a small camera inside a tube. This allows them to see inside the joint better. Since they can see directly inside the joint, it becomes easier for them to figure out how to treat it. After they insert the camera, they can also use small tools to work on the joint.  Things your surgeon can do during TMJ arthroscopy include:
  • Removing inflamed tissue
  • Reshaping the joint
  • Injecting medication
  • Repositioning the synovial disc

Recovery and What to Expect

Recovery from TMJ arthroscopy is short and easy. Each side only takes about 20 minutes. Of course, if your surgeon needs to perform additional procedures it can take a bit longer.  The small incision will be stitched up, usually with self-dissolving stitches. Everything should heal within a week. Some numbness can occur immediately after surgery. So, your surgeon may recommend starting physical therapy at least 48 hours afterward.  As with any type of surgery, there are some rare complications to be aware of. These include
  • Infection
  • Pain and swelling
  • Stiffness in the jaw joint

Am I a Candidate for This Type of TMJ Surgery?

You’re a candidate for this type of TMJ surgery if you have scar tissue, severe disc problems, or thick cartilage on your joint. Arthritis or another type of joint disease can also make arthroscopy necessary.  You will need to look into other types of TMJ surgery if you have an infection or a tumor. 

Open Joint Surgery

Also known as arthroplasty, open joint surgery is when an incision is made above the TMJ so your surgeon can operate directly on the joint. During this procedure, your surgeon removes adhesions, bone spurs, or other growths on the joint. They can also reposition the disc. The TMJ can also be reshaped if necessary. 

Recovery and What Can I Expect

Open joint surgery is a bit more invasive than the other types of TMJ surgery. Therefore, recovery will take longer. This procedure is performed in a hospital and most of the time you’ll have to stay at least overnight. The entire recovery time takes a week or two. You’ll need to plan to take at least 1 week off of work or school. And it’s important to remember not to drive or operate machinery for the first 48 hours, since you’ll be put under general anesthesia.  After the operation, the area around the surgical site will be sore. You’ll be prescribed pain medication and sometimes antibiotics to ward off infection. Ice packs can help with swelling and pain. Bruising for a few days is also normal.  Even though this procedure will help your jaw joint long-term, you’ll be a bit stiff for the first few days. In order to help maintain good motion in your jaw, your surgeon will recommend some exercises for you to do at home. Physical therapy may also be beneficial.

Am I a Candidate for This Type of TMJ Surgery?

Open joint surgery is usually reserved for severe TMJ pain. You’re a candidate for this type of TMJ surgery if you have extreme damage to your joint. Open joint surgery is also an option for patients who have displaced discs.  As always, we encourage you to discuss everything with your medical team before making a decision.

Total Joint Replacement    

Total joint replacement is the most extreme type of TMJ surgery. As the name implies, total joint replacement involves completely replacing your jaw joint. This is done with a prosthetic joint, which is made of titanium. This titanium joint replaces the knuckle part of your TMJ. Sometimes you’ll need to replace some of the bone around the joint with high-density plastic that is screwed into the skull. 

Recovery and What to Expect

Total joint replacement is the most invasive type of TMJ surgery. And the entire process takes much longer than the other types of surgery. It starts with your surgeon taking some detailed CT scans of your joint. This helps them design the replacement joint. Then, the joint will be manufactured. The manufacturing process takes about 3 months. Once the joint is made, you’ll schedule your surgery date. The surgery itself takes about an hour and a half for one side.  After the surgery, you’ll stay in the hospital for one week. Once you get home, you’ll need a few days of recovery time before returning to work or school.  Open joint surgery has many of the same risks as other types of TMJ surgery. These include
  • Infection
  • Swelling 
  • Bruising
There are some complications that are unique to total joint surgery. Sometimes bone and other tissue can start to grow in abnormal places as a result of the procedure.  All of these risks are rare, however.

Am I a Candidate for This Type of TMJ Surgery?

Because total joint replacement is so invasive, it’s reserved for patients who have the most damage to their joints. It’s definitely not the solution for all jaw joint problems.

Take Action Today: Learn More About TMJ Surgery and Find Relief

In conclusion, if you’ve been struggling with TMJ symptoms, it is important to seek professional help from a qualified healthcare provider. TMJ surgery can be an effective option for those who have not found relief from other treatments. The right type of TMJ surgery for you depends on your needs. You need to get a thorough diagnosis from a TMJ expert. Then, you’ll be able to make the best decision for your health. At TMJ Health, we understand the impact that TMJ disorders can have on your daily life. That’s why we are dedicated to providing comprehensive resources to help you better understand your condition and the available treatment options. From articles and blogs to expert advice and support groups, we are here to help you navigate your journey to better TMJ health.
Sources

Bolding, S. (2022, November 11). What Are the 3 Types of TMJ Surgery | PRECiDENT.health. PRECiDENT | Center for Facial & Dental Medicine. https://precident.health/blog/what-are-the-3-types-of-tmj-surgery

Cascarini, L. (2021, March 23). What is TMJ replacement surgery? Orthopaedic Specialists. https://os.clinic/what-is-tmj-replacement-surgery/

headpain. (2023, February 13). 3 Types Of TMJ Surgery. Head Pain Institute. https://www.headpaininstitute.com/3-types-of-tmj-surgery/

Specialists, D. I. (2021, August 25). Surgery For TMJ | Everything You Need To Know [Guide]. Dental Implant & Specialist Centre. https://goldcoastimplantspecialist.com.au/news/surgery-for-tmj-everything-you-need-to-know-guide/

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Can Surgery Fix TMJ Disorders?

by | Mar 8, 2023 | TMJ

Can Surgery Fix TMJ Disorders?

Can Surgery Fix TMJ Pain?

There are a number of treatments available for TMJ disorders, such as medication, physical therapy, and splints. However, these options only really work for mild to moderate cases of TMJ pain. If your TMJ pain is more severe you’ll need to consider surgery. TMJ surgery helps address issues in the jaw joint such as a displaced disc or damage. 

In this post, we’ll explore how surgery can treat TMJ pain. We’ll also look at how to know if TMJ surgery is right for you. 

We don’t recommend TMJ surgery to everyone. But if you’re struggling with TMJ pain, it’s important to understand the different treatment options available to you. By learning more about how surgery treats TMJ pain, you can make an informed decision for your unique situation.

Let’s dive in!

Can Surgery Treat TMJ Pain?

Yes, for some patients surgery can treat TMJ pain. However, you need a thorough diagnosis to be sure that surgery is right for you.

Knowing the anatomy of the jaw joint helps us understand how surgery can treat TMJ surgery for some patients. The jaw joint is similar to the other joints in your body. Like other joints, the TMJ has two bones joined together that make it possible for your jaw to move. Inside the joint, ligaments hold everything in place. Tendons and cartilage also play an important role in how the joint functions.

One of the most important parts of the jaw joint is the synovial disc. This disc contains fluid that lubricates and provides nutrients for the joint. The synovial disc is crucial in keeping your TMJ moving well.

Treating the TMJ Like Other Joints

When we treat TMJ disorders, we need to keep anatomy in mind. It’s helpful to find a doctor or dentist who takes an orthopedic approach to TMJ disorders. This means they treat the TMJ like they would treat the knee or hip. They consider the anatomy and examine everything carefully before going ahead with treatment.

And they know that, sometimes, you need TMJ surgery.  

When Can Surgery Fix TMJ Disorders?

So, how do you know when you need TMJ surgery? As we’ve already stated, you should probably start considering TMJ surgery when other treatment options haven’t worked.

You need TMJ surgery when there are issues with your disc. You may need surgery in order to repair, reposition, or even replace the disc. Other times, surgery may be necessary to simply flush out the joint.

In some situations, surgery is the only option from the start. In other situations, surgery is necessary because the jaw joint hasn’t been cared for properly. One of the most common situations we see is patients who come in and their joint has so much damage simply because they didn’t get it treated earlier. Non-surgical treatments are most effective early on. So if your jaw joint is injured or you notice pain, you need to start treating it early in order to avoid surgery.

What Types of TMJ Surgery Are Available?

There are several different types of TMJ surgery. The right one for you will depend on your diagnosis. The most common options include:

  • Arthroscopy: This procedure involves inserting a small tube into the joint through a small cut. From there, your surgeon can use a camera to look at the joint and even operate on the joint directly.
  • Arthrocentesis: The most minimally invasive procedure, arthrocentesis involves using needles to flush the joint with a saline solution.
  • Open joint surgery: Open joint surgery is the most invasive type of TMJ surgery. An incision is made in front of your ear, allowing the surgeon to operate on your joint. They can repair, replace, or reposition the disc.

How Do I Know If I Need TMJ Surgery?

The best way to determine whether or not surgery will solve your TMJ issues is to get a thorough diagnosis from a doctor or dentist who is familiar with how the jaw joint functions. By performing a physical exam and getting images of the joint, they will be able to find the root cause of your pain. Determining the root cause will make it easier for them to help you decide whether or not you should move forward with surgery.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor/Dentist

  • What type of surgery would you recommend and why?
  • If surgery isn’t right for me, what are my other options?
  • Is physical therapy an option?
  • What are the potential risks of surgery?

Can Surgery Cure TMJ Pain? 

In conclusion, TMJ disorders can be debilitating and impact your daily life. While surgery may be an option for some patients, it is important to approach it with caution and after exploring other treatment options. It’s also important to find a qualified surgeon who can evaluate your individual case and provide you with the best possible care.

If you’re experiencing TMJ pain, we encourage you to talk to your doctor or a specialist to explore all of your treatment options, including surgery. By doing so, you can make an informed decision about your healthcare and find a solution that works best for you.

We hope that this post has helped you to understand more about TMJ disorders and the role that surgery can play in their treatment. If you’d like to learn more about TMJ surgery, we encourage you to reach out to a qualified specialist or surgeon who can provide you with more information and guidance. Remember, taking proactive steps to address your TMJ pain can improve your quality of life and help you get back to doing the things you love.

Sources

Specialists, D. I. (2021, August 25). Surgery For TMJ | Everything You Need To Know [Guide]. Dental Implant & Specialist Centre. https://goldcoastimplantspecialist.com.au/news/surgery-for-tmj-everything-you-need-to-know-guide/

When to Have TMJ Surgery. (2019, January 24). Gentle Dental. https://www.interdent.com/gentle-dental/resources/when-to-have-tmj-surgery/

TMJ Surgery: Everything You Need to Know. (2022, July 15). Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/tmj-surgery-4172982

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by | Feb 22, 2023 | TMJ, Center for Facial & Dental Medicine

Consquences of Untreated TMJ Pain

What Happens If You Don’t Treat TMJ Pain?

When you start to notice pain in any part of your body, it can be easy to ignore. We like to hope the pain will just go away on its own. And sometimes it does. But, unfortunately, there are times when the pain persists. And ignoring it only makes it worse, causing more damage and problems.  This is true of TMJ disorders. For many people, TMJ pain will only last a few days. But if it lasts longer you need to get it treated. Untreated TMJ pain can cause a lot of problems down the road. Persistent TMJ pain is a sign that there is something serious going on inside your jaw joint. And you’ll likely need help from a doctor or dentist. The more you ignore it the worse things will get. Treating TMJ pain early is the key to preventing more damage down the road.  TMJ pain is not something that you should take lightly. Untreated TMJ pain can have an impact on both your health and quality of life.

You Need to Treat TMJ Pain Early

Like with any other medical condition, TMJ disorders need to be treated early in order to prevent further damage to the jaw joint. Pain is your body’s way of telling you something’s wrong. Ignoring it will only make things worse. And the only way to keep things from getting worse is to take your pain seriously from the beginning. A lot of patients find that they could have avoided more invasive treatments if they had not left their TMJ pain untreated.

For many patients, TMJ pain can be treated with rest, over-the-counter medication, and ice/heat therapy. Even these simple steps can help keep your jaw joint pain from getting worse. In fact, resting your joint is one of the most important things you can do for TMJ pain. The more you use your joint, the worse the pain and inflammation get. And while it probably seems difficult to rest your jaw joint, it’s not impossible. You can rest your jaw joint by going on a soft food diet for a while. Avoid hard, chewy foods like steak, crusty bread, and nuts. Instead, look for foods that are easy to bite and chew like cooked sweet potatoes, eggs, and soup. This diet gives your TMJ a chance to heal.

If taking these steps doesn’t help your jaw joint, you need to see your doctor or dentist as soon as possible. Remember, pain is your body’s way of telling you there’s a problem. And if that pain lasts more than a few days, there’s something serious going on with your joint. You need a doctor to help diagnose the problem. Then, they can help you work out a treatment plan. 

Why Do I Need to Treat TMJ Pain?

Untreated TMJ pain can have an impact on different areas of your life. Of course, there are physical effects. And these physical effects extend beyond your jaw joint. Untreated TMJ pain also impacts your quality of life. 

Physical Effects of Untreated TMJ Pain

The physical effects of untreated TMJ pain of course include further damage to your jaw joint. If there is any kind of damage to the jaw joint, the synovial fluid may not be able to cover the cartilage cells that surround the joint. The cartilage cells will become thin. Over time, the bones underneath the cartilage will then also begin to break down. This causes the jaw joint to shift. Shifted jaw joints affect your bite. And having a bad bite can cause more TMJ pain. 

Your jaw joint isn’t the only thing affected by untreated TMJ pain. 

Headaches and migraines are another common side effect of TMJ disorders. One of the muscles that move your jaw covers each side of your head. So when your jaw joint hurts, that inflammation can spread to those muscles, causing headaches. The trigeminal nerve also plays a role in TMJ headaches. MRIs have shown that this nerve is often stimulated during migraines and tension headaches. This nerve sits very close to your jaw joints. So, when you’re experiencing pain in your jaw joint, it can spread to this nerve.

Another side effect of untreated TMJ pain is obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea happens when your breathing is interrupted while you sleep. This is usually due to a small or blocked airway. The shifting caused by a TMJ disorder can make the jaw shift backward. When this happens it’s harder for air to get through easily. And it’s even worse when your muscles relax as you fall asleep. 

Sleep apnea is actually a very serious condition. When you’re air is cut off because of sleep apnea, your body wakes itself up to reopen your airway. It’s very brief and you don’t know that it happens. But it does impact your sleep. Sleep deprivation because of sleep apnea can lead to accidents while you’re driving, problems paying attention at work, as well as other physical issues like heart attacks and strokes. 

If you want to avoid these issues, you need to take TMJ pain seriously. The earlier you treat TMJ pain, the better chance you have at avoiding these other issues.

How Untreated TMJ Pain Affects Quality of Life

The effects of untreated TMJ pain go beyond the physical. Not treating TMJ pain will eventually affect the quality of your life. 

Untreated TMJ pain can lead to mental health issues. Persistent TMJ pain often causes anxiety and depression. Unfortunately, this can create a bit of a vicious circle. One of the common causes of TMJ disorders is bruxism. Bruxism is when you clench and grind your teeth. And it’s usually caused by stress. So, the bruxism caused by stress leads to TMJ pain. But as the pain gets worse, you feel more stressed. And so you continue to grind and clench your teeth. This in turn leads to more TMJ pain. Treating TMJ pain early is the best way to stop this cycle.

TMJ pain also causes you to miss things. Jaw joint pain makes it hard to open your mouth to eat. So, you’re not able to eat your favorite foods. Things like apples, steak, candy, and crusty bread become almost impossible to eat. This can be frustrating when you go out to eat or have a family meal. Untreated TMJ pain can often get so bad that you have to also miss work or school. 

How Do You Treat TMJ Pain?

As we’ve seen, it’s important to treat TMJ pain as soon as you can. 

The type of treatment you need depends on how severe your pain is. Most of the time you should be fine with rest, OTC pain medication, and ice/heat therapy.

If these don’t work your doctor or dentist will recommend a mouthguard. These mouthguards act like a splint for your jaw. They help support the joint by absorbing the pressure caused by bruxism. 

Finally, if the damage to your joint is too severe, you’ll need to consider TMJ surgery. There are several different types of TMJ surgery. The right one for you will depend on the cause of your TMJ pain. 

Don’t Leave TMJ Pain Untreated

Pain is your body’s way of telling you something’s wrong. And if you ignore TMJ pain, it won’t always go away on its own.  Untreated TMJ pain can have a major impact on your life. It can affect your physical health by causing more and more damage to your joint. And untreated TMJ pain will eventually impact your quality of life. TMJ pain keeps you from eating your favorite foods, makes you miss important events, and even affects your work.  If you don’t want your TMJ pain to get worse, you need to talk to your doctor or dentist as soon as possible. They’ll be able to take a deeper look at your jaw joint. Once they narrow down the problem, they can help you put together a treatment plan that will help you find relief from TMJ pain.
Sources

Collins, K. (2023, February 15). What Happens When TMJ Goes Untreated? Collins Dentistry & Aesthetics. https://www.wemakespokanevalleysmile.com/blog/what-happens-when-tmj-goes-untreated/

Hill, C. (2023, February 15). What Happens if TMJ is Left Untreated? Smile on Dental Studio. https://www.smileonstl.com/blog/what-happens-if-tmj-is-left-untreated/

Nashville Dental Services | Devine Dentistry Nashville TN. (2022, August 3). Devine Dentistry Nashville, TN. https://devinedentistry.com/services/

The Dangers of Untreated TMJ | Robert Rosenfeld, DDS | Solana Beach, CA. (2017, February 18). Robert Rosenfeld DDS. https://www.robertrosenfelddds.com/dangers-of-untreated-tmj/

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Treating TMJ Pain at Home

Tips for Treating Mild TMJ Pain at Home.

Here are some quick tips for treating mild TMJ pain:

  • Take over-the-counter pain medications, like Tylenol or ibuprofen
  • Use hot and cold compresses
  • Give your jaw joint some time to rest
  • Eat soft foods for awhile

If these treatments don’t help, you may need to talk to a doctor.

Now let’s learn a bit more about mild TMJ disorders.

Treating TMJ Pain at Home

For some patients, TMJ pain can be a sign of something serious going on inside of the jaw joint. However, others have only a mild TMJ disorder. This mild TMJ pain should resolve itself over time. In either case, it’s important to make sure you treat your mild jaw pain early. Treating mild TMJ pain early can reduce and even prevent more damage from occurring.

The jaw joint is just like the other joints in your body, like the knee, hip, or elbow. So, when you are experiencing pain in your TMJ you can treat it like you would treat an injury in your knee or elbow. Simple treatments like taking pain medication can help you deal with the pain of a mild TMJ disorder effectively. Other treatment options for mild TMJ pain include:

Rest

The most effective way to treat pain in any joint, even the jaw joint, is to make sure you let it rest. If you injure your knee, your doctor will tell you to rest it as much as possible. Rest allows the joint to heal.

Now you may be wondering how you can really rest your jaw joint. You have to eat, you have to speak. Using your jaw joint is almost unavoidable. And while it may be difficult to not use your jaw joint at all, there are ways to reduce the stress you put on the joint throughout the day.

The biggest way to give your TMJ a chance to rest is adjusting what you eat. Don’t chew gum for a while. Go on a soft food diet until the pain goes away.

Ice and Heat

As with any other injured or damaged joint, ice and heat can go a long way in treating your TMJ pain.

Ice, or cold therapy, helps reduce inflammation and pain by constricting the blood vessels and decreasing circulation to the joint. Cold therapy is good for bruised or swollen joints. When icing your jaw joint, simply apply a cold pack to the joint for 10-20 minutes several times a day until the pain goes away. You can use a gel pack or make your own with ice in a plastic bag. Make sure you wrap the ice pack in a towel before placing it on the joint.

Heat therapy actually works in the opposite way by improving circulation to the areas around the joint because of an increase in temperature. Increasing the temperature around the joint can help soothe sore joints and muscles. You never want to use heat therapy immediately after an injury, but you can use it to help relax a stiff jaw joint. When applying heat to your TMJ, you should follow a similar procedure to using ice. Simply apply a hot pack to your joint for 10-20 minutes several times a day. And make sure your hot pack is wrapped in a towel so you don’t burn your skin.

Treat Mild TMJ Pain Early

For most people, mild TMJ pain should go away over the course of a couple of days. The key to making sure your pain doesn’t continue and the damage to your joint doesn’t progress. Many times the reason patients need surgery to treat their TMJ disorders is because they didn’t deal with it early. Like with all medical conditions, early treatment is key to avoiding something more serious. 

Sources

TMJ disorders – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic. (2018, December 28). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tmj/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350945

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention. (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15066-temporomandibular-disorders-tmd-overview

Nall, R. M. (2019, March 8). Understanding Jaw Pain: How to Find Relief. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/jaw-pain

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A Guide to TMJ Mouthguards

Everything You Need to Know About TMJ Mouthguards

If you’ve been experiencing TMJ pain, you’re probably ready to find relief. Most mild TMJ pain goes away after a couple of days of rest. But if your pain persists you need to look into other treatment options. The right treatment depends on your unique case. Sometimes you’ll require surgery in order to repair or reposition the synovial disc. But most of the time your doctor or dentist will recommend a TMJ mouthguard. TMJ mouthguards are the most common treatment for TMJ disorders. They serve the same purpose as a knee brace by supporting your jaw joint while you sleep.

Because TMJ mouthguards are so popular, we want to take some time to help you learn more about them. That’s why we’ve put together this guide. In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about TMJ mouthguards. We’ll talk about how they work, why they’re so popular, who should use them, and pros and cons. We’ll also take a look at the different types of TMJ mouthguards so you can get an idea of what might be best for your situation.

Of course, we encourage you to discuss all of this with your doctor or dentist. They know your situation and will be able to advise you on the right path.

What is a TMJ Mouthguard?

A TMJ mouthguard is a mouthpiece that supports your jaw joint and protects your teeth from the effects of bruxism. It fits over your teeth much like a sports mouthguard. They’re usually worn at night and custom fitted by your dentist.

How do TMJ Mouthguards Work?

Different types of mouthguards serve different purposes.  The main function of most TMJ mouthguards is to absorb the pressure caused by bruxism. Bruxism happens when you grind your teeth and clench your jaw. Usually a natural response to stress, bruxism is a common cause of TMJ disorders. The continuous movement from bruxism puts excess pressure on the jaw joint. Over time your TMJ begins to break down, leading to a TMJ disorder. Bruxism damages your teeth as well.
What is a TMJ Mouthguard
Mouthguards help prevent bruxism, reducing the damage it causes to your jaw joints. They work similarly to a knee brace, supporting the joint while you sleep.   Some mouthguards also help reposition your jaw holding it in its proper position. 

Why Are Mouthguards so Effective?

When treating TMJ pain it’s important to take an orthopedic approach. This means we treat the TMJ like a joint. Your TMJ is like the other joints in your body. And so we need to treat it that way. If you injure your knee, your doctor may prescribe a brace. Knee braces work by restricting the range of motion of your knee and taking weight off of it. This prevents further damage to your joint. TMJ mouthguards work in the same way. They help keep your jaw still while you sleep. And they reduce any pressure caused by bruxism.  That’s why, for the right patients, TMJ mouthguards are so effective for treating jaw joint pain.

Who Needs a TMJ Mouthguard?

Mouthguards are a common treatment for TMJ pain. But they’re not always right for everyone. Because of how effectively they treat TMJ pain a lot of doctors will just prescribe them without making sure it’s what you need. So it’s important to see a doctor or dentist who will thoroughly investigate your TMJ disorder before offering treatment. So, how do you know if TMJ mouthguards are right for you? Are there cases where you shouldn’t use a mouthguard?  Well, the answer to those questions all depends on your unique case.  If your TMJ pain is caused by bruxism, then a mouthguard is the perfect solution. TMJ mouthguards are also great for treating mild to moderate jaw joint pain.  However, if you have severe TMJ pain a mouthguard may not be able to help. Usually, severe pain indicates that there is something else wrong with your joint. The damage may be so severe that a mouthguard won’t do any good.  Severe pain can also be a sign of a displaced synovial disc. In this case, surgery will be the best treatment. 

Pros and Cons of TMJ Mouthguards

Like with any treatment there are both pros and cons when it comes to TMJ mouthguards. It’s important to consider all of these as you explore your options.

Pros of TMJ Mouthguards

There are several advantages to TMJ mouthguards including: 
  • Protect your teeth from damage
  • Comfortable 
  • Noninvasive
Mouthguards can also promote a good night’s sleep. Because they reduce bruxism and TMJ pain most patients find they sleep much better at night.

Cons of TMJ Mouthguards.

Of course, all treatment options have their downsides. The cost of TMJ mouthguards is often an issue. While insurance will help pay for some of it, you may find yourself paying over $100.  You also have to make sure you take care of your mouthguard. Not cleaning it regularly will lead to bacteria growing inside of it, which can cause problems with your teeth. 

Types of Mouthguards

You also need to consider the type of mouthguard you’ll need. There are three main types of mouthguards for TMJ pain, stabilization splints, anterior bite planes, and repositioning splints. Your dentist will be able to help you find the right one for your situation. Stabilization splints cover all of your teeth. They prevent your jaw from closing completely. These types of mouthguards are “permissive,” which means they allow your jaw to move freely. Stabilization splints are great for preventing bruxism and protecting your teeth. Anterior bite planes are similar to stabilization splints. The only difference is that they don’t cover your back teeth. They are the best option for bruxism because they completely keep your jaws from clenching.  Repositioning splints are meant to change the relationship between the upper and lower jaw. These non-permissive mouthguards hold your jaw joints in proper alignment. 

What About Over-the-Counter Mouthguards?

As you’re doing research on TMJ mouthguards you may come across over-the-counter options. And as tempting as these may be, we always recommend getting a custom-fitted mouthguard from your dentist.  OTC mouthguards can actually do more harm than good. Getting the proper shape of your mouth is crucial to the effectiveness of TMJ mouthguards. A poorly fitted mouthguard will aggravate the muscles around the jaw joint. They can also force your teeth to shift. Shifted teeth force your jaw to work hard when you eat, leading to more TMJ pain.  Custom-made mouthguards, on the other hand, ensure a better, more comfortable fit. A better fit means better results. Your dentist also knows the details of your mouth and TMJ case, so they’re the best person to help you get the mouthguard you need.

TMJ Mouthguards May Be the Solution You Need 

As one of the most popular treatments for jaw joint pain, TMJ mouthguards may be the solution you need to get your life back. They take the pressure from bruxism off of your jaw joint, allowing it to heal. TMJ mouthguards are very successful for many patients who are suffering from TMJ pain. Of course, they’re not always right for everyone. You need to discuss everything with your doctor or dentist. Make sure they thoroughly diagnose your jaw joint pain before offering treatment.
Sources

Bjp-Team, B. (2022, October 3). What’s the Best Mouth Guard for TMJ Pain? QuickSplint®. https://quicksplint.com/resources/whats-the-best-mouth-guard-for-tmj-pain/

Bolding, S. (2022, November 11). TMJ Mouthguard: Everything You Need to Know | PRECiDENT. PRECiDENT | Center for Facial & Dental Medicine. https://precident.health/blog/tmj-mouthguard-everything-you-need-to-know

Gilmerm, G. (2021, April 28). Should You Use a Dental Mouthguard for Your Jaw Pain? Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/should-you-use-a-dental-mouthguard-for-your-jaw-pain/

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