Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can significantly impact your quality of life, causing pain and discomfort in your jaw and surrounding areas. At our dental practice, we provide several good treatment options for TMJ pain, including deprogrammer appliances, custom splints, and occlusal equilibration. In this blog, we’ll explore some common reasons for TMJ pain, symptoms that may indicate a problem, and lifestyle changes you can make before considering more advanced treatments.

To visit Beck Dental and discuss your situation with Dr. Beck, call us today at 406-660-6760. In the meantime, check out our overview of TMJ dysfunction. 

Common Causes of TMJ Pain

TMJ pain can arise from various factors, including:

  • Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) – Grinding or clenching your teeth, often unconsciously during sleep, puts excessive pressure on the TMJs, leading to pain and discomfort.
  • Jaw Injury – Trauma to the jaw, such as a blow or whiplash, can damage the TMJs and surrounding tissues.
  • Arthritis – Conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can affect the TMJs, causing inflammation and pain.
  • Stress – High stress levels can lead to muscle tension and clenching of the jaw, worsening TMJ pain.
  • Misalignment – Malocclusion or misaligned teeth can cause the jaw to work harder to achieve a proper bite. This puts strain on your TMJs.

Symptoms of TMJ Disorders

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s possible you may have a TMJ disorder:

  • Jaw pain or tenderness
  • Aching pain in and around your ear
  • Difficulty or discomfort while chewing
  • Locking of the jaw joint, making it hard to open or close your mouth
  • Clicking or popping sounds when you move your jaw
  • Headaches or migraines
  • Neck and shoulder pain

Conservative TMJ Treatment Options & Lifestyle Changes

Before moving to advanced treatments, our dentist will start with the most conservative methods to manage your TMJ disorder. Here are some lifestyle changes and initial treatments he may suggest that you ttry:

  • Stress Management – Reducing stress through techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises can help relax your jaw muscles and decrease pain.
  • Jaw Exercises – Gentle jaw exercises can improve mobility and strengthen the muscles around the TMJ.
  • Dietary Changes – Eating soft foods and avoiding hard or chewy items can minimize strain on your jaw.
  • Heat and Cold Therapy – Applying warm or cold compresses to the jaw can reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Avoiding Extreme Jaw Movements – Try not to open your mouth too wide or make excessive movements such as chewing gum or yawning excessively.

If conservative methods don’t provide sufficient relief, our dentist will work closely with you to determine the best type of treatment based on the underlying causes of your TMJ disorder. Our advanced treatment options include:

  • Deprogrammer Appliance – This device helps relax the jaw muscles and reduces muscle tension, alleviating TMJ pain.
  • Custom Splint – A custom-made splint can help reposition the jaw and prevent teeth grinding, offering relief from TMJ symptoms.
  • Occlusal Equilibration – This procedure adjusts the bite by reshaping the teeth surfaces to improve jaw alignment and reduce TMJ stress.

At our practice, we prioritize your comfort and well-being. We start with the least invasive treatments and only progress to advanced options if necessary. Our goal is to help you achieve lasting relief from TMJ pain and improve your overall quality of life.

To learn more about treatment options for TMJ pain, call Beck Dental today to schedule a consultation in Hamilton, MT. We’re here to help you find the best solution for your needs and ensure you get back to living pain-free! You can also schedule online.