TMJ Disorder in Frederick, Maryland | Top Rated TMJ Disorder Treatment

(301) 874-1707 | Urbana |

Michael J. Will, MD, DDS, FACS
Maryland (301) 874-1707

TMJ Disorder

TMJ (fortemporomandibular joint) disorders refer to a family of problems related to your complex jaw joint. If you have had symptoms like pain or a “clicking” sound, you’ll be glad to know that these problems are more easily diagnosed and treated than they were in the past. These symptoms occur when the joints of the jaw and the chewing muscles (muscles of mastication) do not work together correctly.

TMJ is the name for each joint (right and left) that connects your jaw to your skull. Since some types of TMJ problems can lead to more serious conditions, early detection and treatment are important. One treatment cannot resolve TMJ disorders completely, and all treatment options take time to be effective. Dr. Will can help you have a healthier and more comfortable jaw. If you are in the Urbana, Maryland area, call us at (301)874-1707 to discuss your options for TMJ.

Trouble with your jaw?

TMJ disorders develop for many reasons. You might clench or grind your teeth, tightening your jaw muscles and stressing your TMJ joint disorder. You may have a damaged jaw joint due to injury or disease. Injuries and arthritis can also damage the joint directly or stretch or tear the muscle ligaments. As a result, the disk, which is made of cartilage and functions as the “cushion” of the jaw joint, can slip out of position.

Whatever the cause, the results may include a misaligned bite, pain, clicking or grating noise when you open your mouth or trouble opening your mouth wide.

Do you have a TMJ Disorder?

  • Are you aware of grinding or clenching your teeth?
  • Do you wake up with sore, stiff muscles around your jaws?
  • Do you have frequent headaches or neck pain?
  • Does the pain get worse when you clench your teeth?
  • Does stress make your clenching and pain worse?
  • Does your jaw click, pop, grate, catch, or lock when you open your mouth?
  • Is it difficult or painful to open your mouth, eat or yawn?
  • Have you ever injured your neck, head or jaws?
  • Have you had problems (such as arthritis) with other joints?
  • Do you have teeth that no longer touch when you bite?
  • Do your teeth meet differently from time to time?
  • Is it hard to use your front teeth to bite or tear food?
  • Are your teeth sensitive, loose, broken or worn?

The more times you answered “yes,” the more likely it is that you have TMJ disorder symptoms. Understanding TMJ disorders will also help you understand how the disorders are treated.

Treatment for TMJ

There are various treatment options that Dr. Will can use to improve the harmony and function of your jaw at his oral and maxillofacial surgery practice located in Ijamsville, MD. Once an evaluation confirms a diagnosis of TMJ disorder, Dr. Will can determine the proper course of treatment. It is important to note that treatment always works best with a team approach of professional care joined with self-care.

The initial goals of treatment are to relieve the muscle spasm and joint pain. This is usually accomplished with a pain reliever, anti-inflammatory or muscle relaxant. Steroids can be injected directly into the joints to reduce pain and inflammation. Self-care treatments can often be effective as well and include:

  • Resting your jaw
  • Keeping your teeth apart when you are not swallowing or eating
  • Eating soft foods
  • Applying ice and heat
  • Exercising your jaw
  • Practicing good posture

Stress management techniques such as biofeedback or physical therapy may also be recommended, as well as a temporary, clear plastic ‘appliance’ known as a splint. A splint or ‘nightguard’ fits over your top or bottom teeth helps to keep your teeth apart, thereby relaxing the muscles and reducing pain.

There are different devices for different purposes. A nightguard helps you to stop clenching or grinding your teeth. It also reduces muscle tension at night, helping to protect the cartilage and joint surfaces. An anterior positioning device moves your jaw forward, relieves pressure on parts of your jaw, and aids in disk repositioning. It may be worn 24 hours/day to help your jaw heal. An orthotic stabilization device is worn 24 hours or at night to move your jaw into proper position. These devices also help to protect against tooth wear.

What about bite correction or surgery?

If your TMJ disorder has caused problems with how your teeth fit together, you may need treatment for bite adjustment (equilibration), orthodontics (with or without jaw reconstruction), or restorative dental work. Surgical options, such as arthroscopic and open joint repair/restructuring, are sometimes needed but are reserved for severe cases. Dr. Will does not consider TMJ surgery unless the jaw can’t open, is dislocated and non-reducible, has severe degeneration, or the patient has undergone appliance treatment unsuccessfully.

Contact Will Surgical Arts in Maryland to schedule a consultation with Dr. Will to learn more about your TMJ disorder treatment options. Our oral and maxillofacial surgery practice is located in Ijamsville, MD, a convenient location for residents of Frederick and the Washington, DC metro area as well.


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“Patient care was incredible! We are so very happy our child was referred to Dr. Will. We appreciate the attentiveness given to his medical condition. Will highly recommend to others.”

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