TMJ (also referred to as TMD) is a joint disorder that involves the temporomandibular joint. This sliding joint connects the lower jaw with your skull at a point right in front of each ear. Even when the causes of TMJ are managed, a TMJ flare up after dental work is a fairly common occurrence. If this happens to you, here’s what you need to know about treatments that work and how long a TMJ flare-up might last.
Why do I get a TMJ flare up after dental work?
Jaw pain after dental work can be common for people who are diagnosed with TMJ. While there are some factors that predispose a person to develop this disorder, the three main causes of TMJ include injury or trauma, deterioration due to arthritis, and erosion in the joint or the disc that cushions it.
TMJ flare-ups are hard to miss. Common TMJ symptoms include:
- Pain in the jaw joint itself
- Warmth and swelling in the face
- Headache (including migraine)
- Tenderness in the jaw
- Difficulty eating, chewing, or opening the mouth
- Locked jaw (inability to open the mouth or move the jaw at all)
- Clicking or ticking sound in the joint when chewing
- Decreased mobility in the jaw
- Grating noise (or feeling) in the joint
- Toothaches
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Hearing problems
Patients may also experience ear pain after dental work.
So why do patients experience TMJ flare up after dental work? Often it is the position of the jaw, especially when it comes to dental procedures that take a long time.
If you have TMJ and are scheduled to undergo dental surgery or another lengthy dental procedure, there is a chance that having your jaw open for an extended period of time will cause TMJ pain.
Another major cause of TMJ flare up after dental work is stress because one of the major causes of TMJ itself is stress. Stress can cause patients to clench their jaw unconsciously and grind their teeth. This is referred to as bruxism.
Especially for patients who experience anxiety when going to the dentist, the stress that causes bruxism can be a major cause of a TMJ flare up.
How long do TMJ flare-ups last?
TMJ flare-ups that are being treated can last anywhere from a couple days to several weeks.
In cases where the cause is not known or readily apparent, flare-ups may be more common and may be harder to treat. You can learn more in our earlier post on this subject.
How long does it take TMJ flare-up to go away after dental work?
There is no easy answer to this question. Every patient with TMJ is different, both in the cause of the TMJ and the symptoms experienced.
If a TMJ flare-up occurs, the length of time it takes for a TMJ flare-up to go away after dental work depends on:
- The severity of the disorder
- Any treatments that are being used
- The underlying causes of the disorder itself
How can my dentist help?
When it comes to avoiding a TMJ flare-up after dental work, the best thing you can do is to talk to your dentist before your appointment.
If you experience stress or anxiety surrounding your dental appointments, no matter how short, make sure your dentist knows. In many cases, they can explain your procedure in detail, which may be enough to ease your mind. Since they’re already aware of the potential for pain, they’ll likely give you breaks when they can to massage out and stretch your jaw.
If you still feel anxious, your dentist may prescribe a mild sedative for you to take before your appointment. This will not be enough to “knock you out,” but will allow you to relax and release some worry.
What helps TMJ after dental work?
The most important TMJ treatment looks for the root of the problem and treats that. Addressing the underlying cause is important to not only speed up your healing time but to also treat the flare-up. If bruxism is at the root of your TMJ, your dentist or TMJ specialist may prescribe a mouth guard to gently hold the teeth in the proper bite and prevent clenching.
Other common treatments that can offer TMJ pain relief include the following.
Changing your diet
If you experience a TMJ flare-up after dental work, the last thing you need is a hard pretzel and sticky toffee before or after.
Soft foods like scrambled eggs, well-cooked vegetables, and yogurt are easy on the jaw during a TMJ flare-up.
Icing any swelling
Ice can ease the initial pain and swelling of a TMJ flare up. Follow a 20 minutes on/20 minutes off icing schedule for the first few hours after your appointment.
Applying heat
For some patients, too much ice can reduce mobility even further. In this case, applying a heating pad and gently moving the jaw can help restore mobility.
If you don’t have a heating pad, place a sock filled with rice in the microwave for 30 seconds and place against your jaw.
Introducing gentle movement
When you are not icing your jaw or applying heat, gently moving it can help increase circulation to the area.
Move your lower jaw from side to side and in slow circles. Rest your chin on your fist and gently press against it while opening your mouth. Don’t push – just a little movement to prevent tight jaw muscles.
Seeking over-the-counter pain relief
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
Also, some patients report TMJ pain relief by massaging peppermint or clove essential oil (diluted with a carrier oil like almond) into the side of the face.
Relieving stress
Especially if you know in advance that the stress of a dental visit might cause a flare-up, developing a stress-relieving practice for yourself can be helpful.
TMJ flare-ups are both caused and exacerbated by stress. Practicing yoga, meditating, or even spending time outside walking or simply sitting are great ways to reduce and manage stress.
AZ Dentist is your Phoenix area TMJ dentist. If you have TMJ, we know you are vulnerable every time you sit in our chair. Our compassionate dentists can help. Get in touch today.
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