TMJ Disorders

TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders are a family of problems related to your complex jaw joint.  If you have had symptoms like pain or a “clicking” sound, you’ll be glad to know that these problems are more easily diagnosed and treated than they were in the past.  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 be effective.  Dr. Gallagher can help you have a healthier and more comfortable jaw.

Do you have trouble with your jaw?
TMJ disorders develop for many reasons.  You might clench or grind your teeth, tightening your jaw muscles and stressing your TM joint.  Or, you may have a damaged jaw joint due to injury or disease.  Whatever the cause, the results may include a misaligned bite, pain, clicking, or grating noises when you open your mouth, or trouble opening your mouth wide.

• Are you away 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 every 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’re treated.

Treatment

Dr. Gallagher requires patients have a specific type MRI of the TM joints prior to the first appointment with our office. Call our office to speak with one of our treatment coordinators to have this MRI scheduled for you. The MRI is a very important diagnostic tool in determining the positioning on opening and closing as well as the bone structure of TM joints. This MRI will be reviewed with you at your initial evaluation appointment.There are various treatment options that surgeons utilize to improve the harmony and function of your jaw.  Once our evaluation confirms a diagnosis of TMJ disorder, Dr. Gallagher will determine the proper course of treatment.  It is important to note that treatment always works best with a team approach of self-care as well as professional care.