TMJ Jaw Pain: When to See an Oral Surgeon
Does your jaw click when you chew, ache when you wake up, or feel stiff when you try to open wide? Jaw discomfort like this is common, and it's easy to brush off. But when it keeps coming back or starts getting in the way of eating, talking, or sleeping, it may be a sign of a TMJ disorder.
The good news is that many TMJ problems can be managed without surgery. Here's what to know, and when it makes sense to see an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
What Is the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)?
Your temporomandibular joints, or TMJs, connect your lower jaw to your skull and let you speak, chew, yawn, and smile. A TMJ disorder (often called TMD) happens when these joints or the muscles and tissues around them become irritated, inflamed, or damaged.
Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
Symptoms vary from person to person, from painless clicking to ongoing discomfort. Common signs include:
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Clicking or popping sounds when you open or close your mouth
- Facial pain or discomfort around the ears
- Headaches
- Difficulty chewing
- Limited opening, or a jaw that locks
- A feeling that your teeth no longer fit together the way they used to
What Causes TMJ Problems?
TMJ disorders can develop for many reasons, including injury to the jaw, arthritis, teeth grinding or clenching, changes in your bite, inflammation within the joint, muscle tension, or problems with the cushioning disc inside the joint. Symptoms may build gradually or appear after an injury. If your jaw pain started after an accident or a blow to the face, see our facial trauma page.
When Should You See an Oral Surgeon?
Some people have occasional clicking without any pain. But it's a good idea to have your jaw evaluated by a qualified dental or medical professional if you have:
- Jaw pain that doesn't go away
- Difficulty opening or closing your mouth
- A jaw that locks
- Swelling around the joint that keeps coming back
- Significant changes in how your jaw moves or how your teeth fit together
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons have extensive training in facial anatomy and jaw function, so they can help determine whether your symptoms are coming from the jaw joints.
How a TMJ Evaluation Works
Accurate diagnosis comes first. Your surgeon will review your symptoms and medical history and examine your jaw movement, bite, muscle tenderness, and joint function.
Imaging may also be recommended. Panoramic X-rays, 3D CBCT imaging, or advanced imaging such as MRI can help pinpoint the source of the problem.
TMJ Treatment Options
TMJ treatment is highly individualized. Your surgeon will recommend an approach based on the cause and severity of your condition, usually starting with the least invasive options.
Conservative care
Many TMJ disorders can first be managed without surgery, through diet changes, physical therapy, oral appliances, medications, jaw exercises, or stress management techniques.
Minimally invasive treatment
If conservative care doesn't bring enough relief, a minimally invasive procedure may be considered for some patients. One option is TMJ arthrocentesis, which uses sterile fluid to rinse the joint space and may help reduce inflammation, improve movement, and relieve pain in appropriate cases.
Surgery for more advanced cases
When there's significant structural damage, or symptoms haven't responded to less invasive care, surgery may be an option. In severe cases, total joint replacement may be considered. Surgery is recommended only when it's right for your specific condition. If you're nervous about a procedure, read about sedation options for oral surgery.
Results vary from patient to patient. Your surgeon will explain the benefits, limitations, and alternatives of any treatment before you decide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is jaw clicking always a sign of a TMJ disorder?
Not necessarily. If clicking comes with pain, locking, or trouble opening your mouth, it's worth having your jaw evaluated.
Will I need surgery for TMJ pain?
Many TMJ disorders can be managed with conservative, non-surgical treatment first. Minimally invasive procedures or surgery are generally considered only when less invasive care doesn't provide enough relief.
Can TMJ problems cause headaches or ear pain?
They can. Headaches, facial pain, and discomfort around the ears are among the symptoms some people with TMJ disorders experience.
Schedule a TMJ Evaluation
If jaw pain, clicking, or locking is affecting your daily life, an evaluation can help you understand your options. The surgeons at Mountaineer Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, Dr. Byron Black and Dr. William Black, see patients at our offices at 1215 Virginia St E, Charleston, WV and 102 Memorial Dr, Ripley, WV.
Call Mountaineer Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons at 304-514-5500 to schedule a consultation, or visit our contact page to get in touch.