TMJ/TMD FAQs

Your team at Omni Dental want to help you feel empowered by your dental care and confident about your smile at all times. Do you have more questions about TMD/TMJ syndrome? Contact us online or give us a call today at 712-847-8151.

• What is a TMJ?

  TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. This joint is located on either side of your head, in front of your ears. The mandible (jawbone) and the temporal bone (skull) are connected by your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The TMJ moves forward and backward, side to side, and rotates in order for you to chew, swallow, speak, and yawn. Your TMJ is connected to several muscles and ligaments to help your jaw move. It’s quite a complex joint!

• How is TMJ syndrome diagnosed?

  To figure out the root of your jaw pain, your Omni Dental Centre dentists, Dr. Nensel and Dr. Jones, will perform a complete oral assessment and ask you questions to get a better understanding of your health history. We will examine your TMJ for pain, tenderness, clicks, and unusual sounds. We may also examine your facial muscles and jaw with a full face x-ray. By gaining a deeper understanding of your mouth, we can discover whether the issue stems from your teeth or from your joints.

• How is TMD/ TMJ syndrome related to sleep apnea?

  If you are having trouble getting a sound sleep at night, you may have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea occurs when your airways become blocked and your breathing becomes irregular or you cease to breathe and are suddenly jolted awake. There is sometimes a link between TMJ syndrome and sleep apnea, as some causes for TMJ syndrome, such as a misaligned bite, can also be causes for sleep apnea. It can be common for adults to experience sleep apnea without being aware of the underlying condition. Omni Dental Centre offers sleep apnea treatment in Council Bluffs, Carter Lake, and Omaha.

• What can I do at home to relieve TMJ pain?

  To lessen the pain from TMJ syndrome, you should do your best to avoid resting your chin in your hands, excessively chewing gum, and biting your fingernails, as to avoid putting stress onto your jaw bone. Also, avoid clenching or grinding your teeth. It can also help to improve your posture and minimize stress and anxiety in your everyday life. Our Carter Lake and Council Bluffs doctors are able to provide the oral health education and counseling necessary to help you understand the behaviours that might be causing your TMJ pain. View our Treatment Options page to see how we can help!

• Are there any pharmaceutical medicines I can take to relieve TMJ pain?

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as aspirin or ibuprofen can help relieve muscle pain and swelling
  • Muscle relaxants that can be prescribed by your doctor can help loosen tight jaw muscles and relieve the pain caused by teeth grinding and clenching
  • Anti-anxiety medicines may contribute to stress-relief, one of the factors that can cause TMD

  It’s always best to consult your doctor before taking medication.