Let's take a closer look at TMJ disorders

The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are the two joints that connect your lower jaw to your. skull and are some of the most complex in your body. When the TMJ is properly aligned, smooth muscle actions, such as chewing, talking, yawning, and swallowing, can take place.

When these structures (muscles, ligaments, discs and the jaw bones) are not aligned, problems may occur. The most common problem is myofacial pain, which is pain in and around the face and neck. At Renew we can help alleviate this. Other TMJ disorders such as internal joint derangement and degenerative diseases of the jaw joint are usually best seen by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and we can use our network of professionals to find the best treatments for you.

The most common signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders are:

• Jaw discomfort or soreness (often in the morning or late afternoon)
• Headaches
• Pain spreading behind the eyes, in the face, shoulder, neck, and/or back
• Earaches or ringing in the ears (not caused by an infection of the inner ear canal)
• Clicking or popping of the jaw
• Locking of the jaw
• Limited mouth opening
• Clenching or grinding of the teeth
• Dizziness
• Sensitivity of the teeth without the presence of an oral health disease
• Numbness or tingling sensation in the fingers
• A change in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together

We tailor treatments to your particular situation, there is no one size fits all approach. Treatment may include rest, relaxation techniques, diet changes, a night guard to help cushion the joints and botulinum toxin injected into the masseter muscle to relax it.

Left untreated, particularly when there is heavy clenching or grinding of the teeth, serious wear and cracking of teeth may occur and may need to be restored with crowns.