What Is TMJ Occlusion?

There are many different causes of TMJ occlusion, and it can be a multi-faceted condition. TMJ is a fairly common condition that impacts people of all ages. In order to properly select a treatment plan, it's important to understand what TMJ occlusion is and what may be causing it in your individual case. Then it can be treated properly, and lead to a higher quality of life.

What does TMJ mean?

TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint, and it is the joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull. This joint is what allows you to open and close your mouth, and it is also responsible for some of the movement in your lower jaw. TMJ occlusion occurs when this joint becomes dysfunctional or misaligned. This can happen due to a number of different causes, including:

• Arthritis. Inflammation in the joints that leads to pain, stiffness, and swelling. There are many different types of arthritis.
• Dislocation. Your TMJ can become dislocated due to a prior traumatic event, such as a car accident, fall down, sports injury, fight, or other sudden impact that shifted the TMJ from the correct position.
• Teeth grinding (bruxism). The wear caused over time by your bruxism can shift the TMJ out of its ideal position because the teeth are no longer meeting in the same place they previously were.
• Stress. The TMJ and symptoms of occlusion can be exasperated by stress from work, relationships, or other difficult situations.

How do I know if I have TMJ occlusion?

By understanding the risk factors for TMJ, you can be more proactive in preventing the condition or seeking treatment if you do experience symptoms. TMJ occlusion can be a very painful condition, and it can cause a number of symptoms that might surprise you. Consulting with a TMJ specialist to develop a treatment plan that is right for you can help to address symptoms like:

• Jaw pain
• Headaches and migraines
• Neck and shoulder pain
• Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw
• Limited range of motion in the jaw

How is my TMJ occlusion treated?

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor or TMJ specialist to get a proper diagnosis. Once the cause of your TMJ occlusion is determined, you can work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan that will help improve your quality of life. Some treatments that can help include:

• Temporary pain medication to reduce immediate suffering
• Muscle relaxants to help relax the impacted muscles
• Anti-inflammatory medication to reduce swelling
• Corticosteroid injections to help with healing
• Splints or mouthguards to re-position your jaw
• Physical therapy to help your TMJ adapt
• Surgery (in severe cases)

What happens if my TMJ goes untreated?

TMJ occlusion can have a number of long-term effects if it goes untreated, so it's important to consult with a doctor or TMJ specialist if you are experiencing any symptoms. Some of the potential long-term effects of TMJ include:

• Chronic pain. TMJ can cause chronic pain in the jaw, head, neck, and shoulders. This pain can have a significant impact on your quality of life.
• Tooth wear and tooth loss. TMJ can cause teeth to wear down prematurely, or even need to come out altogether.
• Trismus. TMJ can cause the muscles around the joint to tighten, making it difficult or even impossible to open your mouth fully. This is why Trismus is sometimes referred to as "lock-jaw" by people less familiar with TMJ.

While TMJ occlusion can be a painful and debilitating condition, there are many different treatment options available from Kanehl Dental. We have a wealth of experience treating TMJ disorders, and are happy to help you find relief from your TMJ occlusion. Contact us today to schedule your consultation so we can help you resolve this painful condition.