Why Does My Jaw Make A “Popping” Sound? (This, Plus 5 Other Signs Of TMJ)

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) is a condition that is quite painful. It affects the joint where the lower and upper jaw come together. You can experience several signs that are both odd and cause discomfort.

The good news is that your dentist in Winchester can help.

After diagnosis and treatment, your symptoms can diminish.

What’s The Cause Behind TMJ?

The cause behind TMJ disorder is improper alignment in your jaw. Therefore, this causes the muscles in your face to overreact. Muscles that experience strain spill over to the nerves. This results in several signs and symptoms that TMJ patients have.

6 Common TMJ Signs And Symptoms

1. Popping or cracking noises when shutting or opening your mouth
2. Frequent headaches/migraines
3. Difficulty when closing or opening your mouth
4. Having a hard time chewing
5. Pain in the back, shoulder, or neck
6. Swelling and pain around your temporomandibular joint.

Getting A TMJ Diagnosis

Do you see any of the above symptoms in your own daily life? Many may wonder what the first step in pain relief is. Reaching out to your Winchester or Woburn dentist is a good idea. They can diagnose the condition for you and help place you on a treatment path.

The Ins And Outs Of Testing

There is some incredible state-of-the-art technology when it comes to TMJ testing. This includes 3D imaging and Analysis, Computerized Occlusal Analysis, Electromyography, Range of Motion testing, Sonography, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulations (TENS)

These tools help your dentist pinpoint the issues you have. In fact, the results determine the natural position of your jaw. They also add insight into what the bite-related problems are for your TMJ. These devices aid in both diagnosing the condition and what treatment options to turn to.

TMJ Treatment Options

There are a number of treatments for TMJ. The one you go with depends on your case and needs. Below are some of the treatment options to discuss with your Winchester dentist.

Full Mouth Restoration

This is a treatment that combines general, cosmetic, and neuromuscular dentistry services. It’s similar to a “smile makeover”. However, there’s a much different focus when it comes to TMJ patients. With a smile makeover, the goal is aesthetics. Meanwhile, a full-mouth restoration works to improve jaw function and decrease discomfort around TMJ symptoms. Using various treatments like dental implants, fillings, or bridges can help restore your bite. As such, this will also help relieve painful TMJ symptoms.

Epigenetic Orthodontics

Much like a smile makeover, traditional orthodontics aims to enhance the look of your smile. Epigenetic orthodontics helps to reposition your jaw. This treatment option is for those TMJ patients who deal with misalignment or an undeveloped jaw.

Myofunctional Therapy

Myofunctional therapy uses a combination of physical therapy exercises to improve the bite, breathing,and facial posture of those with orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs). The training targets the face,neck, and mouth’s soft tissues to reach optimal tongue position and oral rest posture.

Over-the-counter pain medication is also an option. Some patients will also sleep on their side or try relaxation exercises. Lastly, reducing stress is a great thing to do, as well. Although this can be “easier said than done”!

Address Your TMJ Symptoms Today! Book An Appointment With A Dentist In Woburn and Winchester

TMJ is a painful and serious disorder. However, with the right approach, you can relieve your symptoms and get back to living your best life.

This is where the neuromuscular dentist at Divine Smiles comes in. We care about our patient’s well-being and aim to help through diagnosis and the best treatment options possible. In addition, our dental office commits to making you feel comfortable and safe during your visit. We offer many dental-anxiety-free solutions to ensure relaxation for everyone who comes in for an appointment.

Lastly, as an out-of-network dentist, we pride ourselves on going the extra mile for every one of our patients. Not only in the quality of work we do, but also in the stress-free office environment we provide. We also ensure to take extra steps with your insurance company to get you as much coverage on a procedure as possible. 

Interested in booking an appointment to address your TMJ symptoms? Call us today at (781) 396-8558. You can also book a visit online.

By Ryan M. Clancy, DMD, MAGD, LVIF, FPFA, FIAPA | September 21st, 2021 | TMJ