That dull ache in your jaw when you wake up. The clicking sound every time you chew. The headaches that seem to start right behind your eyes. The ear pain that your doctor says isn’t an ear infection. If any of this sounds familiar, you might be dealing with a TMJ disorder.
At Oral Facial Surgery of Delaware, Dr. Campbell and Dr. Rafetto treat patients who’ve been suffering with these symptoms for months or even years. Many of them saw multiple providers before finding their way to us.
What Exactly Is TMJ?
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. That’s the hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull, right in front of each ear. You have one on each side. These joints are some of the most complex in your body. They don’t just open and close like a door hinge. They glide forward and backward, side to side, and rotate. You use them every time you talk, chew, yawn, or swallow.
When something goes wrong with these joints or the muscles that control them, you get what’s called a TMJ disorder.
Common TMJ Symptoms
TMJ problems can show up in surprising ways. Here are the most common signs:
Jaw symptoms:
- Pain or tenderness in the jaw, especially when chewing
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when you open or close your mouth
- Locking of the joint (can’t open your mouth wide or can’t close it fully)
- A feeling that your bite is “off” or your teeth don’t meet correctly
Facial and head symptoms:
- Chronic headaches or migraines
- Pain in the face, neck, or shoulders
- Earaches or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Dizziness or vertigo
Many patients don’t realize their headaches or ear pain are connected to their jaw. So they treat the symptoms without ever addressing the root cause.
What Causes TMJ Disorders?
TMJ problems don’t have one single cause. Usually, it’s a combination of factors:
- Bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching): This is the big one. Many people grind at night without even knowing it. The constant pressure strains the joint and muscles.
- Injury: A blow to the jaw, whiplash, or even a sports injury can damage the joint.
- Arthritis: Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can affect the TMJ just like any other joint in the body.
- Misalignment: If your bite doesn’t line up properly, your jaw muscles work overtime to compensate.
- Stress: When you’re stressed, you’re more likely to clench your jaw or grind your teeth.
When to See an Oral Surgeon
Your general dentist can often spot signs of TMJ problems during a routine exam. They might suggest conservative treatments like a nightguard, muscle relaxants, or stress management. But if those don’t work, or if your symptoms are severe, it’s time to see a specialist.
Oral surgeons like Dr. Campbell and Dr. Rafetto have advanced training in the anatomy of the jaw and face. They can:
- Take detailed 3D imaging to see exactly what’s happening inside the joint
- Diagnose conditions that general dentists might miss
- Offer surgical and non-surgical treatments that go beyond what a general dentist can provide
What Treatment Looks Like at Oral Facial Surgery of Delaware
We start with the least invasive options first. That might mean:
- Custom oral appliances to prevent grinding
- Physical therapy exercises
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Trigger point injections
If conservative treatments don’t provide relief, we have surgical options. These can include:
- Arthrocentesis: A minimally invasive procedure where we flush the joint to remove inflammatory debris
- Arthroscopy: We insert a tiny camera into the joint to diagnose and treat problems
- Joint surgery: In severe cases, we can repair or replace the damaged joint
Don’t Keep Living with the Pain
TMJ disorders don’t usually go away on their own. They tend to get worse over time, especially if you’re grinding or clenching regularly. If you’ve been dealing with jaw pain, headaches, or that annoying click for weeks or months, don’t wait. Come see us.
Call our Wilmington office at 302-335-6123 to schedule a TMJ evaluation. We’ll figure out what’s causing your pain and get you on the path to relief.