Sleep disorders cause all sorts of problems, and are more common than most people realize. Dr. Jennifer J. Cornell, DDS, at Dental Sleep and TMJ Solutions of Clarksville has answers to some of the questions that come up about the conditions preventing you from getting a good night’s sleep.
Question: I have been told I have TMJ. It really hurts. What can I do about it?
Dr. Cornell: It is incorrect to use the phrase “TMJ” to describe a disorder of the temporomandibular joints. When someone’s knee or hip hurts, they are not told by their provider, “You have knee joint” or “You have hip joint.” It is more accurate to tell a patient they have TMD (temporomandibular disorder or dysfunction) or even better TMJD (temporomandibular joint disorder or dysfunction). Regardless, dysfunction of the TM joints can be painful and cause quality of life issues.
The temporomandibular joint is a unique joint in our body. One of the smallest, it is also one of the most complex. It not only hinges when you open and close your jaw but also translates as you open wide. It is also very close to other structures that use similar nerve pathways, so symptoms can be confusing, often making a person feel a bit “NUTS” or “not understand their symptoms.”
Causes and treatment
There are multiple causes of TMD. Depending on the diagnosis, there are things that can be done to help relieve symptoms. But not all dentists are trained in this area of treatment. Too often, patients are provided a simple rubber mouth guard to wear at night. This is the equivalent of providing someone with a helmet if they tend to have the habit of banging their head a lot!
Dentists who have opted for additional training in TMD know how to use orthotics, or fancier splints, to unload the joints, provide a neutral position for their jaws to rest, and provide biofeedback to get off their teeth so that proper healing can occur.
They are also trained in certain injection techniques to aid in proper diagnosis, but also assist in trigger point relief of certain muscles that support the jaw that might be tender due to overuse.
Promising new technique
For those with internal derangement or degenerative joint disease, there is now a very promising procedure that can not only assist in pain relief but regeneration of tissue and bone. Regenerative platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for temporomandibular joint disorders, offering a novel avenue for tissue repair and regeneration.
In this innovative technique, a small amount of blood is drawn from the patient’s arm, it is processed to concentrate platelets, growth factors and fibrin, creating a biocompatible matrix rich in healing elements. Once prepared, it is injected into the patient’s joint, similar to a steroid injection, promoting tissue regeneration, reducing inflammation, and accelerates the healing process. The growth factors released from the PRF matrix stimulate the recruitment of cells essential for tissue repair, fostering the regeneration of damaged cartilage and surrounding structures within the TMJ.
This minimally invasive and autologous approach holds great promise in improving the outcomes for individuals suffering from TMJ disorders, providing a natural, efficient method to alleviate pain, restore joint function, and enhance overall oral health. This procedure does require use of an orthotic or splint during the healing process and should be closely managed by a dentist trained in this technique.
At Dental Sleep and TMJ Solutions of Clarksville, our team has gone through this advanced training and have been providing this service for over two years. If you or someone you know is experiencing jaw pain, we can help! Give us a call and allow us to help improve your quality of life.
Jennifer J. Cornell, DDS, is a diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. For more, visit the Dental Sleep and TMJ Solutions of Clarksville website or call 931-645-8000.