TMJ Therapy

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) occurs as a result of problems with the jaw, jaw joint, and surrounding facial muscles that control movement of the jaw. The temporomandibular joint is the hinge joint that connects the lower jaw to the bone of the skull. This joint is located immediately in front of the ear on each side of the head. The muscles attached to the jaw allow the jaw an incredible amount of movement: side-to-side and up and down. This flexibility allows us to chew, talk, and yawn.

What is TMJ?

Those who suffer form TMJ experience severe pain and discomfort. This pain can last for as many as several years or a few months. More women experience TMJ pain than men and the disorder is seen in people between 20-40 years of age.

Some symptoms include:

Pain or tenderness in the face, jaw joint area, neck and shoulders, and in or around the ear when you chew, speak, or yawn
Limited ability to open the mouth wide
Jaws that get “stuck” or “lock” in the open-or closed-mouth position
Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the joint when the mouth is opened or closed
Tired feeling in the face or neck
Difficulty chewing
Sudden uncomfortable feeling when biting
Swelling on the side of the face
Toothaches
Headaches or neck aches
Dizziness
Earaches
Hearing problems
Upper shoulder pain
Ringing in the ears

What Causes TMJ?

The main cause of TMJ is still unknown but scientists believe the symptoms are a result of problems in the muscles of the jaw or with parts of the joint.

Known factors that contribute to TMJ include:

Trauma
Bruxism – Grinding of the teeth
Clenching
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis

Treatment Options for TMJ

Most often, TMJ symptoms will go away on their own because your jaw joint will rest and recover while you are unable to chew. At home treatments for TMJ include taking an anti-inflammatory pain medication (such as aspirin, Advil or Tylenol), eating soft foods, and applying warm compresses to the area of pain.

If, however, the symptoms of TMJ do not go away on their own medical treatment may be required. Dr. Mark Gutt may show you some muscle stretching and relaxation exercises to perform at home that may help relax the jaw. You may be fitted with a splint, or bite plate nightguard, that fits over your upper or lower teeth. The splint is designed to reduce clenching or grinding at night, thus easing muscle tension.

If the non-invasive treatment options do not reduce your pain or tenderness more invasive procedures may be recommended. A small percentage of patients require a referral for cortisone shots that can help relieve inflammation and pain or for jaw joint replacement surgery to replace the jaw joint with an artificial implant.

Our patients opinions

It’s always the word of mouth that’s the best advice.

Here are some of our…

” I have been a patient of Dr. Gutt and his outstanding team for more than 15 years. I had some issues at the time of my initial visit and between the exam, cleaning, and treatment I received, I knew I chose wisely when selecting South Florida Periodontal. Dr. Gutt is extremely competent and always provides completely detailed explanations on treatment, follow-up care, and patient self-care. His entire staff has remained intact the entire time, and they are a model of consistency, dependability, and integrity, with a genuine personal touch. This was reaffirmed after a dental procedure I needed while on an extended trip out of state. With little time to search, I ended up at one of those “factory” dental offices in that city. There was simply no comparison. “

Dennis Cassa

” Thorough and clearly explained observations and report, to be forwarded to Dr. Tycoliz – Summerland Dental “

Larry Ledford

” Dr. Gutt is a very friendly and gentle doctor. He listens intently, is thorough and has amazing doctor/patient rapport. His staff is warm and friendly. From the moment i walked into the office, i felt taken care of. “

Iris Seltzer

” Dr. Gutt and his team are THE best, whether you need very sophisticated dental procedures or just a great cleaning. Our family has relied on them for many years, consistently awesome pros! “

Jose Latour

“ Very professional staff. I am very pleased with the care I received. Highly recommended. ”

Drew Werner

” Not only Dr Gutt but also the his entire team are very caring and show professionalism. He has been taking care of my husband and I, always with the beat practices and the best technology, I can’t recommend him enough! “

Nancy Ogassawala

“ Doctor who explains thoroughly goes through everything and builds an orderly plan ”

Simona

” I’ve been seeing Dr. Gutt for many years and have always had a positive experience. He and his staff are always very pleasant and take the necessary time to explain all procedures, regardless of the complexity. His work is flawless. I’ve never had any complications from his procedures and most importantly have a healthy set of teeth. “

Dick Shon

” Absolutely the best team in town. Genuinely cares about patients and giving the best corrective dental care. I had continuous dental problems for 20 years until Dr. Gutt took charge of my perio care. Yadira has been the best dental tech I’ve ever had a cleaning with. Highly recommended. Thank you for putting an end to years of struggle. “

Mark Edwards

” Dr. Gutt is excellent. Thorough and extremely capable. We are lucky to have him here in Key West “

William Levinson