Scroll Top

Inflammation of the Jaw: Understanding, Symptoms, and Treatment

0
By Dr Nojan Bakhtiari DR TMJ NYC - TMJ Pain Relief July 5, 2024

Inflammation of the Jaw: Understanding, Symptoms, and Treatment

Inflammation of the jaw can be a painful and debilitating condition, affecting one’s ability to speak, chew, and perform other essential daily functions. This condition, often associated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, requires careful diagnosis and treatment by a TMJ specialist. At Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari’s clinic, we specialize in providing comprehensive TMJ treatment to alleviate pain and restore function. This blog explores the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for jaw inflammation, offering valuable insights for those suffering from TMJ pain.

What is TMJ and Why Does It Get Inflamed?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jawbone to the skull, acting as a hinge that allows for movement in multiple directions. This joint is crucial for activities such as talking, chewing, and yawning. Inflammation of the TMJ can occur due to various reasons, leading to discomfort and impaired jaw function. Common causes of TMJ inflammation include:

  1. Trauma or Injury: A direct blow or injury to the jaw can result in inflammation.
  2. Arthritis: Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can affect the TMJ, leading to inflammation.
  3. Bruxism: Chronic teeth grinding or clenching can strain the TMJ.
  4. Infection: Infections in the jaw or surrounding tissues can cause inflammation.
  5. Stress: High levels of stress can lead to muscle tension around the jaw, contributing to TMJ pain.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Jaw Inflammation

Jaw inflammation manifests through various symptoms, which can vary in intensity and duration. Recognizing these symptoms early can lead to more effective treatment. Common symptoms include:

  • Jaw Pain: Persistent pain in the jaw joint or surrounding muscles is a primary symptom.
  • Difficulty in Moving the Jaw: Stiffness or difficulty in opening and closing the mouth.
  • Clicking or Popping Sounds: Audible sounds during jaw movement, indicating joint dysfunction.
  • Headaches: Frequent headaches or migraines related to jaw tension.
  • Ear Pain: Pain around the ears, sometimes mistaken for ear infections.
  • Facial Swelling: Swelling on one or both sides of the face, often around the jaw area.

Diagnosis: When to See a TMJ Specialist

If you experience persistent jaw pain or any of the above symptoms, it is crucial to seek professional help. A TMJ specialist like Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari can provide an accurate diagnosis through a comprehensive evaluation. The diagnostic process may include:

  • Medical History Review: Understanding the patient’s medical and dental history.
  • Physical Examination: Assessing jaw movement, listening for sounds, and palpating for pain points.
  • Imaging Studies: X-rays, CT scans, or MRI to visualize the joint structure and identify any abnormalities.
  • Bite Analysis: Evaluating the alignment of teeth and how they come together during biting and chewing.

Treatment Options for Jaw Inflammation

Once a diagnosis is confirmed, a tailored treatment plan can be developed. Treatment options for TMJ inflammation vary based on the severity and underlying cause of the condition. Here are some effective TMJ treatment approaches:

1. Lifestyle Modifications

  • Stress Management: Techniques such as meditation, yoga, and counseling to reduce stress and muscle tension.
  • Dietary Changes: Consuming softer foods to minimize strain on the jaw.
  • Avoiding Jaw Overuse: Limiting activities that involve excessive jaw movement, such as chewing gum or singing loudly.

2. Medical Interventions

  • Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation. Muscle relaxants may also be prescribed.
  • Physical Therapy: Exercises and manual techniques to improve jaw mobility and strength.
  • Oral Appliances: Custom-made splints or mouthguards to reduce teeth grinding and jaw clenching.

3. Advanced Treatments

  • Injections: Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation or Botox injections to relax jaw muscles.
  • Surgical Procedures: In severe cases, surgical interventions such as arthroscopy or open-joint surgery may be necessary to repair or replace the TMJ.

The Role of Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari in TMJ Treatment

As a leading TMJ specialist, Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari offers a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating jaw inflammation. Dr. Bakhtiari’s expertise in TMJ treatment ensures that patients receive personalized care tailored to their specific needs. His clinic employs the latest diagnostic tools and treatment techniques to provide effective relief from TMJ pain.

Dr. Bakhtiari emphasizes a holistic approach, considering all aspects of a patient’s health and lifestyle. This ensures that treatment not only addresses the symptoms but also targets the underlying causes of TMJ disorders. Patients at Dr. Bakhtiari’s clinic benefit from a combination of medical interventions, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications, leading to long-term relief and improved quality of life.

Preventing TMJ Inflammation

While treatment is crucial for those already experiencing TMJ pain, prevention plays a significant role in maintaining jaw health. Here are some tips to prevent TMJ inflammation:

  • Maintain Good Posture: Proper posture can reduce strain on the jaw and surrounding muscles.
  • Use Proper Jaw Techniques: Avoid opening the mouth too wide and practice gentle jaw movements.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps maintain joint lubrication and overall health.
  • Regular Dental Check-ups: Routine visits to the dentist can help identify and address early signs of TMJ disorders.

Conclusion

Inflammation of the jaw is a condition that can significantly impact daily life, but with the right diagnosis and treatment, relief is achievable. At Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari’s clinic, we are dedicated to providing top-notch TMJ treatment to alleviate pain and restore jaw function. If you are experiencing symptoms of TMJ inflammation, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. With a comprehensive approach to care, Dr. Bakhtiari and his team are committed to helping you achieve optimal jaw health and a pain-free life.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, please visit Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari’s website or contact his clinic directly. Don’t let TMJ pain control your life – take the first step towards recovery today.

About Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari

Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari is a board-certified TMJ and Oral Facial Pain specialist. He focuses his practice on TMJ disorders, oral pain, facial pain and associated headaches. He treats patients in New York City. His practice is conveniently located in midtown Manhattan three blocks from Grand Central Terminal and Bryant Park.

  • Assistant Clinical Professor, Columbia University College of Dental Medicine
  • Treasurer and Committee Chair, NYU Dentistry Alumni Association
  • Diplomate, American Board of Orofacial Pain
  • Fellow, American Academy of Orofacial Pain
  • Chair of Membership Committee, American Academy of Orofacial Pain

Dr. Nojan shares his in-depth knowledge of the TMJ, oral and facial pain as Assistant Clinical Professor at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. He taught for 5 years at Yale-New Haven Hospital as a clinical attending and course director. He is one of very few  diplomates of the American Board of Orofacial Pain  and a Fellow of the American Academy of Orofacial Pain.

As an expert in the field, he has been invited to lecture at New York University, New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, New York State Dental Association, Woodhull Hospital, Lincoln Medical Center, and numerous dental societies and conferences (including Greenwich and Stamford Dental Societies, New Haven Dental Association, Connecticut Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, New England Dental Society Annual Meeting).

What are treatment options offered by Dr. Nojan?

Dr. Nojan offers the best and advanced treatment options available for TMJ, facial pain, oral pain and headaches. Treatments offered by Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari are personalized to you when looking to know more about inflammation of the jaw, and may include:

  • Oral appliance therapy (custom mouthguards, nightguards, splints)
  • Therapeutic injections
  • Trigger point injections for muscle pain
  • Nerve blocks
  • Steroid injections for TMJ joint and tendons
  • Botox for TMJ, nerve pain, jaw pain and headaches
  • Therapeutic ointments and medication for oral, facial and TMJ pain

Overview of Treatments for TMJ, Facial Pain and Oral Pain

Dr. Nojan offers the most advanced and evidence-based treatment options for TMJ, facial pain, oral pain and related headaches.

“Don’t leave TMJ and orofacial pain treatments to guesswork.”

Treatments will always be personalized to you, your condition and your treatment approach preferences. We understand that some patients do not like taking medications, while others are afraid of needles, or have life-styles that prevent them from wearing a bite guard. Learn more about what happens at your first visit with Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari, DDS, FAAOP. For that reasons, we offer the full range of treatment options and learning about inflammation of the jaw while also including:

TMJ Treatment options vary depending on the individual suffering from TMJ and the specifics of their condition. Since TMJ/TMD can affect the musculature, tendons, bones and joint of the jaw, a thorough examination and diagnosis is paramount prior to initiating any treatment. Treatments include therapeutic injections of muscles and the joints, custom fabricated orthotics (also called splints, mouth guards, nightguards or occlusal guards), medications, creams, botox©, jaw stretching exercises, and physical therapy.

TMJ therapies should never include grinding down of otherwise healthy teeth. It is ill-advised to suggest to a patient that grinding of their otherwise healthy natural teeth is related to the TMJ pain they are perceiving. This treatment philosophy of “correcting the bite”, by either grinding down teeth (occlusal adjustments), restoring teeth with crowns, or moving teeth with braces or invisalign©, has been debunked in the dental and scientific literature.

What to expect at your first visit to our office

At your first visit to our office, Dr. Bakhtiari and his team will thoroughly examine your jaw, face, TMJ, bite and mouth. He will determine the source and cause of your discomfort, and devise a customized treatment solution that will work for you to help with inflammation of the jaw.

The initial consultation includes:

  • Review of your medical history
  • Detailed evaluation of your pain, discomfort and/or other symptoms
  • Cranial nerve screening
  • Muscle palpation of the muscles of your jaw, head and neck
  • TMJ evaluation: evaluating the health of your jaw joints including their range of motion, tenderness and any clicking/popping sounds
  • Additional imaging if necessary: X-rays, panoramic, CT scans, MRIs
  • Additional testing as needed: diagnostic topical anesthetics, muscle and nerve blocks, blood tests

Book Your Appointment Today with Dr. Nojan!

 

Dr Nojan Bakhtiari / About Author
More posts by Dr Nojan Bakhtiari