TMJ Treatment in Columbus, OH

What Is TMJ Disorder (TMD)?

TMJ disorder, also known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), affects the joints that connect your lower jaw to your skull. These joints allow you to speak, chew, yawn, and move your jaw comfortably. When the joints or surrounding muscles become inflamed or strained, they can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty with normal jaw movement. TMJ disorders can range from mild discomfort to chronic pain and may affect one or both sides of the jaw. Dr. Moosa and his team at Parkway Family Dental in Polaris can help determine if the pain is coming from the joint or from muscles and help guide you to a pain free life!

What Are the Symptoms of TMJ Disorder?

TMJ disorder can cause a variety of symptoms that may come and go or become more severe over time. Because many symptoms overlap with other conditions, a dental evaluation can help determine if TMJ disorder is the cause.

Common symptoms include:

• Jaw pain or tenderness
• Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening or closing the mouth
• Difficulty opening the mouth fully
• Jaw locking in an open or closed position
• Frequent headaches or migraines
• Ear pain, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), or a feeling of fullness
• Facial pain or soreness
• Pain while chewing or speaking
• Neck and shoulder discomfort

What Causes TMJ Disorder?

There is not always a single cause of TMJ disorder. In many cases, it develops from a combination of factors that place extra stress on the jaw joints and muscles. Teeth grinding or clenching—especially during sleep—is one of the most common causes. Other contributing factors include stress, arthritis, jaw injuries, bite misalignment, and muscle tension. Dr. Moosa and his team at Parkway Family Dental will perform a thorough examination to help identify the underlying cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment for your individual needs.

How Is TMJ Disorder Treated?

Treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms and what is causing the problem. Many patients experience significant relief with conservative, non-surgical treatment options. Dr. Moosa will create a personalized treatment plan based on your condition.

Treatment options may include:

• Custom night guards or occlusal splints
• Bite adjustments when appropriate
• Evaluation for any sleep disturbed breathing (Sleep Apnea)
• Jaw stretching and strengthening exercises
• Recommendations to reduce teeth grinding or clenching
• Anti-inflammatory medications (when appropriate)
• Ice or heat therapy
• Stress management techniques
• Dietary modifications, such as eating softer foods during flare-ups

The goal of treatment is to reduce pain, improve jaw function, and prevent further damage to the joint.

When Should I See a Dentist for TMJ Pain?

You should schedule an evaluation if your jaw pain lasts more than a few days, continues to return, or begins interfering with your daily activities. Persistent jaw discomfort should never be ignored, as early treatment can often prevent symptoms from becoming more severe.

Schedule an appointment if you experience:

• Ongoing jaw pain or tenderness
• Difficulty chewing or opening your mouth
• Jaw locking or limited movement
• Frequent headaches associated with jaw pain
• Clicking or popping accompanied by pain
• Teeth grinding or clenching
• Ear pain without an ear infection

Can TMJ Disorder Go Away on Its Own?

Some mild cases of TMJ discomfort may improve with rest, avoiding hard or chewy foods, reducing stress, and limiting excessive jaw movement. However, if your symptoms continue for more than a few days, keep returning, or worsen over time, it is important to contact us at 614-854-0101 to help you determine the cause and come up with a solution.

Untreated TMJ disorder can lead to chronic pain, increased jaw stiffness, difficulty eating, excessive wear on your teeth, and long-term damage to the jaw joint. Early diagnosis and treatment can help relieve discomfort and restore normal jaw function.