What are the common causes of jaw pain. How can you identify symptoms of TMJ disorders. What are the most effective treatments for jaw joint discomfort. How do lifestyle changes impact jaw health. When should you seek medical attention for jaw pain.

Understanding Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD)

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD), often referred to as TMJ, are the most prevalent cause of jaw pain, affecting approximately 10 million Americans. These disorders involve the temporomandibular joints, which are the hinge joints on either side of your jaw. TMD can stem from various factors, often occurring simultaneously.

Common Causes of TMD

• Muscle pain controlling jaw movement
• Jaw joint injury
• Excessive jaw joint stimulation
• Displaced cushioning disc
• Arthritis in the protective disc

Damage to the jaw joint or its controlling muscles can result from:

• Nocturnal teeth grinding
• Stress-induced jaw clenching
• Facial trauma, such as sports injuries

Identifying Symptoms of TMJ Disorders

Recognizing the symptoms of TMJ disorders is crucial for early intervention and effective treatment. Common signs include:

• Pain or tenderness in the jaw area
• Difficulty or discomfort while chewing
• Clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth
• Facial pain that may extend to the neck and shoulders
• Headaches, particularly in the temple area
• Limited jaw movement or locking of the jaw

Are these symptoms always indicative of TMJ disorders? Not necessarily. While these signs are commonly associated with TMD, they can also be symptoms of other conditions. Therefore, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

Other Potential Causes of Jaw Pain

While TMD is the most common cause of jaw pain, several other conditions can lead to discomfort in this area:

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches, known for their intense pain, typically affect one side of the head but can radiate to the jaw. These headaches are often described as one of the most painful types experienced.

Sinus Problems

The sinuses, air-filled cavities located near the jaw joint, can cause jaw pain when infected. Excess mucus production due to viral or bacterial infections can put pressure on the jaw joint, resulting in discomfort.

Dental Issues

Severe tooth infections, particularly dental abscesses, can cause referred pain that extends to the jaw area. This type of pain can sometimes be mistaken for TMJ disorders.

Trigeminal Neuralgia

This condition, often caused by compression of the trigeminal nerve, can lead to intense facial pain, including in the jaw area. The trigeminal nerve is responsible for sensation in a large portion of the face, including both the upper and lower jaws.

Cardiac Events

In some cases, particularly in women, jaw pain can be a symptom of a heart attack. This pain is often accompanied by other symptoms such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and nausea. If you experience these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

Immediate Relief Strategies for Jaw Pain

When experiencing jaw pain, several at-home remedies can provide immediate relief:

Heat and Cold Therapy

Applying moist heat or ice packs can help alleviate jaw pain. How should you apply these treatments?

• Ice Pack: Wrap ice in a thin cloth and apply to the face for 10 minutes, alternating with 10-minute breaks.
• Heat Therapy: Use a warm, damp washcloth on the jaw area to relax overactive muscles.

Is one method more effective than the other? The choice between heat and cold therapy often depends on personal preference and the specific condition causing the pain. Some individuals find alternating between the two provides the most relief.

Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

Medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help reduce jaw discomfort. Always follow the recommended dosage and consult with a healthcare provider if pain persists.

Jaw Massage Techniques

Gentle massage can help relieve tension in the jaw muscles. Try this simple technique:

1. Using your index and middle fingers, press on the sore areas of your jaw.
2. Massage in a circular motion for 5 to 10 rotations.
3. Open your mouth and repeat the exercise.
4. Also, consider massaging the muscles on the side of your neck to relieve tension.

Long-Term Management and Treatment Options

While immediate relief strategies are helpful, long-term management of jaw pain often requires a more comprehensive approach:

Lifestyle Modifications

Making certain lifestyle changes can significantly impact jaw health:

• Stress reduction techniques (e.g., meditation, yoga)
• Avoiding hard or chewy foods
• Practicing good posture
• Limiting extreme jaw movements (like wide yawning or gum chewing)

Physical Therapy

A physical therapist can teach exercises to strengthen jaw muscles and improve flexibility. These exercises may include:

• Gentle jaw stretches
• Controlled mouth opening and closing
• Relaxation techniques for jaw muscles

Dental Interventions

Dental treatments can be effective for TMJ disorders caused by teeth alignment issues:

• Orthodontic treatment to correct bite problems
• Night guards or splints to prevent teeth grinding
• Dental work to balance the biting surfaces of your teeth

Medications

In some cases, your healthcare provider may recommend:

• Muscle relaxants
• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Tricyclic antidepressants (for pain relief and improved sleep)

Minimally Invasive Procedures

For persistent cases, minimally invasive treatments may be considered:

• Corticosteroid injections into the joint
• Botox injections to relax jaw muscles
• Arthrocentesis (joint fluid removal)

When to Seek Medical Attention

While many cases of jaw pain can be managed at home, certain situations warrant immediate medical attention:

• Persistent pain that doesn’t improve with home remedies
• Inability to open or close your jaw completely
• Sudden change in the way your upper and lower teeth fit together
• Swelling or fever accompanying jaw pain
• Jaw pain accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, or other heart attack symptoms

How quickly should you seek medical help? If you experience severe, persistent pain or any signs of a heart attack, seek immediate emergency care. For other symptoms, consult your healthcare provider promptly to determine the best course of action.

Preventive Measures for Jaw Health

Maintaining good jaw health can help prevent the onset of TMJ disorders and other causes of jaw pain. Consider implementing these preventive measures:

Stress Management

Stress often leads to jaw clenching and teeth grinding. Incorporate stress-reduction techniques into your daily routine:

• Regular exercise
• Mindfulness meditation
• Deep breathing exercises
• Adequate sleep

Proper Dental Hygiene

Maintaining good oral health can prevent dental issues that may lead to jaw pain:

• Brush teeth twice daily
• Floss regularly
• Attend regular dental check-ups

Ergonomic Considerations

Poor posture can contribute to jaw pain. Ensure your work and living spaces are ergonomically optimized:

• Maintain proper posture when sitting and standing
• Use a supportive pillow while sleeping
• Adjust computer screens to eye level to prevent neck strain

Dietary Choices

Your diet can impact jaw health. Consider these dietary adjustments:

• Limit caffeine intake, which can increase muscle tension
• Avoid excessively hard or chewy foods
• Incorporate foods rich in magnesium and calcium for muscle and bone health

Can dietary changes alone prevent jaw pain? While a healthy diet contributes to overall jaw health, it’s most effective when combined with other preventive measures and lifestyle changes.

Understanding the Impact of Jaw Pain on Quality of Life

Jaw pain, particularly when chronic, can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. It’s important to recognize these potential effects:

Physical Impacts

• Difficulty eating and drinking
• Speech impediments
• Disrupted sleep patterns
• Chronic headaches or migraines

Emotional and Psychological Effects

• Increased stress and anxiety
• Depression due to chronic pain
• Social isolation
• Reduced work productivity

How can individuals cope with these impacts? A multidisciplinary approach is often most effective, combining medical treatment with psychological support and lifestyle modifications. Support groups for individuals with chronic jaw pain can also provide valuable emotional support and practical advice.

Emerging Research and Future Treatments

The field of jaw pain treatment is continuously evolving, with ongoing research into new and more effective therapies:

Stem Cell Therapy

Researchers are exploring the potential of stem cell therapy to regenerate damaged jaw joint tissues. This could potentially offer a long-term solution for TMJ disorders.

Advanced Imaging Techniques

Improved imaging technologies, such as high-resolution MRI, are enhancing our understanding of jaw joint mechanics and pathology, leading to more precise diagnoses and targeted treatments.

Personalized Medicine Approaches

Genetic research is paving the way for personalized treatment plans based on an individual’s genetic predisposition to jaw disorders.

Neurostimulation Techniques

Non-invasive neurostimulation methods are being investigated as potential treatments for chronic jaw pain, offering an alternative to medication and surgery.

What can patients expect from these emerging treatments? While many of these therapies are still in the research phase, they offer hope for more effective, personalized treatments in the future. Patients should stay informed about new developments and discuss potential new treatment options with their healthcare providers.

Understanding the complexities of jaw pain, from its varied causes to its wide-ranging impacts, is crucial for effective management and treatment. By combining immediate relief strategies with long-term management plans and staying informed about emerging treatments, individuals suffering from jaw pain can work towards improved comfort and quality of life. Remember, each case of jaw pain is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Always consult with healthcare professionals to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and circumstances.

Jaw pain: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

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Jaw pain can be a debilitating condition that affects your ability to eat and speak. The treatment can depend on the cause and the severity, but it can range from using an ice pack to lifestyle changes, medications, and in some cases, surgery.

Many things can cause jaw pain, from your sinuses and ears to your teeth or jaw itself. This means it can be difficult to tell if your jaw pain is because of a jaw issue or something else.

That said, once you get an accurate diagnosis, you can start the right treatment. Read on to learn about the causes of jaw pain and the possible treatments.

Most jaw pain is due to an abnormality or injury to the joint of your jaw, but there are other possible causes as well. Here are some of the causes of jaw pain:

1. Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorder (TMD)

TMDs are the most common cause of jaw pain, affecting nearly 10 million Americans. TMD is also sometimes known as TMJ. The temporomandibular joints are the hinge joints on each side of your jaw.

Several things can cause TMD jaw pain. It’s also possible to experience TMD due to several causes at the same time. Causes of TMD include:

• pain from the muscles that control jaw movement
• injury to the jaw joint
• excess stimulation of the jaw joint
• a displaced disc that usually helps cushion the movements of the jaw
• arthritis of the protective disc that cushions the jaw joint

Damage to the jaw joint or the muscles that control your jaw movement can be caused by several factors, including:

• grinding your teeth at night
• involuntarily clenching your jaw due to stress and anxiety
• trauma to the jaw joint, such as getting hit in the face while playing sports

There are also less common causes of jaw pain. These include:

2. Cluster headaches

Cluster headaches typically cause pain behind or around one of the eyes, but the pain can radiate to the jaw. Cluster headaches are one of the most painful types of headache.

3. Sinus problems

The sinuses are air-filled cavities located close to the jaw joint. If the sinuses become infected with a germ, such as a virus or bacterium, the result can be an excess of mucus that puts pressure on the jaw joint, causing pain.

4. Tooth pain

Sometimes severe tooth infections known as dental abscesses can cause referred pain that radiates to the jaw.

5. Trigeminal neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition that’s most commonly caused by nerve compression on the trigeminal nerve that provides sensation to a large portion of the face, including the upper and lower jaws.

6. Heart attack

A heart attack can cause pain in other areas of the body besides the chest, like the arms, back, neck, and jaw. Women in particular may experience jaw pain on the left side of their faces during ­a heart attack. Call 911 immediately and ask to be taken to the hospital if you experience the following symptoms:

• chest discomfort
• shortness of breath
• sweating
• nausea
• feeling faint

For immediate relief

Apply moist heat or ice packs: Place ice in a plastic bag, wrap it in a thin cloth, and apply it to your face for 10 minutes. Then take it off for 10 minutes before reapplying it. Another option is to run warm water over a washcloth, then apply it to your jaw area. The moist heat can relax overactive jaw muscles and relieve pain. You may have to re-wet the washcloth several times to maintain the heat.

You can also purchase heat or ice packs at a pharmacy or online. However, they should be covered in cloth at all times, or they could burn your skin. If it feels too hot or too cold, remove it.

Keep reading: How to make a cold compress »

Over-the-counter pain relievers: Medicines like ibuprofen and acetaminophen may help to reduce discomfort.

Massage the affected joint: Using your index and middle finger, press the sore areas of your jaw, such as the area right before your ear where your jaw joints meet. Rub in a circular motion for 5 to 10 rotations, then open your mouth and repeat the exercise. Massaging the muscles on the side of your neck may also help relieve tension.

Here’s another massage technique you can try to relieve your jaw pain (tap the arrows to see all four videos):

Video via Adam Leavens, RMT, BCSI

Lifestyle strategies to reduce jaw pain long-term

Stress reduction: Try stress-relieving techniques to reduce jaw clenching. These could include:

• yoga
• journaling
• meditation

These activities may help you reduce your jaw pain if it’s caused by stress.

Avoid chewy foods: Foods that are chewy, tough, or crunchy can place too great a strain on your jaw joint and lead to pain and discomfort later. Foods to avoid include:

• apples
• beef jerky
• chewing gum
• ice

Avoid caffeine: Your morning cup of joe could be contributing to your muscle tension, which can be increased by caffeine. Avoiding large amounts of caffeinated coffee and tea may help reduce your jaw pain over time, but you may initially feel muscle tension from caffeine withdrawal when cutting it out of your diet.

Medical treatment

Most doctors will first recommend non-invasive treatment methods for your jaw pain. If you still have jaw pain after trying these methods, you should talk to your dentist. You may need further interventions to find relief for your pain.

Mouthguard: A mouthguard is a plastic dental protector worn on your upper or lower teeth that’s custom-fitted for your mouth. Although you can purchase one at a pharmacy, a dentist will make you one that may fit better and last longer. Wearing one at bedtime can help stop you from unconsciously grinding your teeth.

Muscle relaxers: If your pain doesn’t respond to the mouthguard, your dentist may prescribe muscle relaxers to relieve jaw tension. However, these don’t always help people with TMD.

Botox injections: More invasive treatment methods include Botox cosmetic injections. When injected into the jaw muscles, the botulinum toxin found in Botox may keep your jaw muscles from clenching, possibly helping to relieve jaw pain due to TMD. These injections will last for months at a time and may require re-injection later.

Jaw surgery: In very rare instances, a doctor will recommend jaw surgery to correct TMD problems. This treatment is usually reserved for people with severe pain and pain that’s due to structural problems in the jaw joint.

Read more: Does Botox help treat chronic migraine? »

Why Does My Jaw Hurt? 6 Possible Causes of Jaw Pain

Written by Matt Smith

Medically Reviewed by Robert Brennan on March 23, 2023

• What Is Jaw Pain?
• What Causes Jaw Pain?
• Jaw Pain Treatment and Home Care

Jaw pain can be a sign of something as common as a toothache — or even something as serious as a heart attack. Your jawbone, also called a mandible, connects to your skull at a pair of joints known as the temporomandibular joints, or TMJs. These joints are just in front of your ears, and they let you open and close your mouth.

Your jaw also holds your teeth and gums, which can be sensitive to heat, cold, or pressure. They also can get infected if you don’t keep them clean.

TMJ disorders

This is one of the most common reasons for jaw pain. About 1 in 8 people may have a TMJ disorder. It’s more common among women.

Causes of TMJ disorders include:

• An injury to your jaw
• Certain illnesses or conditions, like arthritis
• Grinding or clenching your teeth
• Your jaw not lining up the way it should
• Inflammation in the muscles around your jaw

Stress can worsen it, too.

Symptoms of TMJ disorders include:

• Clicking sound when you open your mouth
• Pain or ache around your ears, face, or jaw
• Constant headaches
• Ringing in your ears
• Dizziness
• Vision problems
• Pain when you chew or a hard time chewing
• Locking of your jaw

If you think you might have a problem with your TMJ, get it checked out. Usually, your doctor or dentist may have you take over-the-counter drugs like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain. They also might recommend that you exercise your jaw muscles to strengthen them, and to quit chewing gum or biting your nails. You might also get a plastic bite guard to keep you from grinding your teeth. Sometimes, you might need prescription drugs or surgery to fix the problem.

Trauma

Like any bone, you can knock your jaw out of place or break it. A blow to the jaw can cause:

• Bruises
• Swelling
• Pain
• Loose or knocked-out teeth

Usually, over-the-counter pain medication or steps like eating soft foods will help ease your discomfort as you heal. But if the pain won’t go away, or you can’t open and close your mouth right, you’ll need medical care. Issues with teeth alignment can also sometimes cause jaw pain. Learn more about the different treatment options related to an overbite and jaw pain.

Dental problems

A bunch of issues with your teeth can lead to jaw pain. They include:

• A toothache, usually because of a cavity or an abscess
• Teeth that are cracked, crowded, or sensitive to temperature or pressure
• Gum disease, which can damage your jawbone
• Wisdom teeth coming in
• Misaligned teeth
• Grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw.

See your dentist right away for these problems. Until then, you can rinse your mouth with warm water and use dental floss to get rid of any bits of food around the tooth that hurts.

Joint problems

If you have a type of arthritis known as rheumatoid arthritis, it could attack your temporomandibular joints. It’s an autoimmune disease, which means your body mistakenly attacks healthy tissue and makes it swell up. That may damage the soft, spongy cartilage that keeps your jaw moving smoothly, which can make it feel stiff and sore.

Diseases

Vaccines have largely gotten rid of diseases. But some people still get them, and the symptoms can include jaw pain.

• Mumps. You catch it from a virus. It swells the glands on the side of your mouth that make saliva. The pain can make it hard to move your jaw.
• Tetanus. You get this bacterial infection through a cut or a scratch on your skin. An early sign is that your jaw muscles might feel tight or stiff. The spasms are often called lockjaw. This serious illness can put you in the hospital for weeks.

Heart attack

It may sound odd, but jaw pain sometimes can signal a heart attack. Pain that starts near a cluster of nerves, like your heart, can be felt someplace else on the body. This is called referred pain. For some people, jaw pain may be the only symptom of a heart attack.

Referred pain in the jaw also may be a sign of joint problems, such as in the shoulders or the lower back.

Sinus problems

If the spaces inside your nose and under your eyes (your sinuses) stay swollen and inflamed for longer than 3 months, even with treatment, you may have a condition called chronic sinusitis. It mainly makes it hard to breathe through your nose and makes the area around your eyes feel tender, but chronic sinusitis also can cause aching in your upper jaw.

Trigeminal neuralgia

This painful condition can happen when a blood vessel presses against the trigeminal nerve, which carries messages to your brain from your face.  It can also be caused by multiple sclerosis. Trigeminal neuralgia usually affects one side of your jaw or cheek and can feel like a stabbing pain or a jolt of electricity. The pain can be so severe that it keeps you from being able to eat or drink.

Cluster headaches

These are very painful headaches that happen in certain patterns or happen often in a short amount of time. They cause serious pain on one side of your head and often wake you up during the night. Cluster headaches usually affect the area around your eyes and temple, but the pain can spread to your jaw as well.

Osteomyelitis

This is an infection that happens in a bone. It can affect your lower jaw (or mandible), a condition called anaerobic osteomyelitis. If it’s not treated, the infection can cut off the blood supply to your jaw and permanently damage the bone tissue there.

Tumors or cysts

These are growths in your jawbone or the soft tissues in your mouth and face. Sometimes called odontogenic tumors and cysts, they’re not often cancerous, but they can grow quickly and affect your teeth. In most cases, surgery is recommended to take them out.

Treatment for your jaw pain will depend on what’s causing it, but a few things may help with general discomfort:

• Resting your jaw
• Over-the-counter pain medicines, like anti-inflammatories and analgesics
• Prescription medicines, including antidepressants for pain, or muscle relaxants
• Cold compresses for 10 to 20 minutes at a time, 3 or 4 times a day
• Gentle exercises to strengthen and stretch the muscles in your jaw or face
• Ultrasound (high-powered sound waves) to help with pain and swelling

Top Picks

Jaw crunches when chewing and opening the mouth

Clearly audible sounds during jaw movements are clear signs of impaired functioning of the temporomandibular joint. It is necessary to engage in its reconstruction as soon as possible, while the disease is still amenable to correction. The competence of the doctors of our Center, combined with modern technical capabilities, allows us to determine the cause and start correcting the pathology in a timely manner. Targeted treatment restores the joint, preserves its function and prevents serious complications .

Why does the jaw crack when moving?

Cracking in the jaw when yawning, while eating is never normal, it is always a sign of pathological changes in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

The lower jaw is connected to the temporal bone by a joint in which everything is provided by nature, like in an engineering structure – there are two hard surfaces, and for smooth movements – a gasket (articular cartilage) and a lubricant (articular fluid).

If the cartilage is destroyed, and there is not enough liquid, solid parts rub against each other – clicks, friction, crunch are heard. Such symptoms reliably signal a malfunction in the joint. They are called TMJ dysfunction .

Sound accompaniment during jaw movement is one of the signs of joint arthrosis. This is a chronic progressive disease with a gradual destruction of cartilage tissue:

• constant friction leads to deformities – the elastic and smooth surface in the normal state becomes rough;
• the joint first clicks, then crackles violently;
• symptoms increase gradually – from mild discomfort when chewing to significant problems with opening the mouth and general well-being;
• in the advanced stage, muscle spasms and convulsions appear.

Causes of pathology

It is usually not possible to single out only one. Experts consider arthrosis of the TMJ to be a multifactorial disease.

Main causes:

Accompanying symptoms of TMJ dysfunction

In addition to unusual sounds when moving the jaw, arthrosis of the joint should alert: doctor :

What to do, which doctor to contact

Gnathologist can help . Sometimes it is an independent specialist, but more often its functions are performed by dentists with training in gnathology. Orthopedists and orthodontists usually receive special training.

Gnathology (from the Greek gnatos – upper jaw) is one of the areas in dentistry that studies the norm and pathology of the TMJ, its effect on bite and chewing.

Gnathologist – is a doctor who diagnoses and treats TMJ dysfunctions:

• He has deep knowledge of the structure of the temporomandibular joint, its functions and possible causes of its deterioration.
• Usually has extensive experience in orthopedic dentistry, has a good understanding of how unsuccessful fillings, crowns and dentures cause improper functioning of the jaw and joint.

A specialist performs diagnostics and establishes a diagnosis, draws up a treatment plan for the identified pathology.

It is quite possible that if your joint hurts and crackles, the doctor will refer you for additional consultations:

Diagnosis of pathology

The doctor conducts a complete examination of various parameters mouth opening.

How to treat a crunch in the jaw

Treatment of TMJ dysfunction is a complex problem, in dentistry it is solved in several stages in a certain sequence:

1. Pain management
2. Normalizing the position of the joint
3. Bite correction
4. Restoration of missing teeth

If general skeletal deformities affecting the functioning of the TMJ are detected, in parallel with dental treatment, the doctor gives recommendations on strengthening the muscular corset of the back and neck. Patients work with an osteopath, kinesitherapist or train on their own.

At the same time, chondroprotectors are prescribed to build destroyed articular cartilage.

The treatment of jaw crunching requires patience and perseverance

Cracking and clicking in the jaw are symptoms of TMJ arthrosis. This is a progressive disease, the optimal treatment of which is possible at stages 1-2. The specialists of our Center successfully carry out all types of correction at an early stage of the disease and completely restore the impaired function of the joint.

Levin Dmitry Valerievich

Chief Physician and Founder of Doctor Levin

Methods of treatment

There is no single correct way of treatment. From several possible options, the doctor chooses the most effective in a particular situation or uses a combination of them.

Splint therapy

Treatment with an occlusal splint system (splint in English – splint) restores normal joint function. The tire is a mouthguard made of silicone, made according to individual parameters. Fits in the mouth for permanent wear. With splint therapy:

• ligaments lengthen;
• reduced muscle effort during chewing;
• jaw joints return to the correct position;
• overloads of articular surfaces are eliminated.

TENS-therapy

TENS-therapy is a transcutaneous electrical muscle stimulation used to relieve their hypertonicity and prevent jaw immobilization. In addition to the facial group, they work out the muscles of the neck and shoulder girdle, which are involved in the formation of the pathological position of the joints. TENS therapy:

• relieves muscle spasm;
• restores healthy jaw alignment;
• fixes the TMJ in the right place.

Restoring the correct position of the jaws allows you to stop the progression of arthrosis and reduce the severity of all its symptoms, as well as subsequently install implants, plan prosthetics in accordance with a new bite that does not disrupt the TMJ.

Botulinum Therapy

Neuroprotein treatment method borrowed from cosmetology. The drugs stop the transmission of bioelectrical signals from the nerve endings to the muscles and relax them. Injections are pointwise injected into the muscles of the temporal region in order to quickly relieve muscle tension and unlock the jaw joint, return it to its normal position and eliminate pathological friction of the articular surfaces.

The effect remains for a long time, lasting several months.

Bite correction

To ensure the normal functioning of the TMJ, it is necessary to fix the physiologically correct position of the jaws and restore contact between the teeth. For this, orthodontic treatment is carried out on fixed braces or removable aligners.

The teeth gradually take up a physiological position under the influence of the force with which structures press on them.

Restoration of teeth

If the teeth are partially destroyed or worn out, they are restored in several ways:

Such a solution will provide a uniform and full chewing, and will prevent overloading of the joint in the future.

The effectiveness of therapeutic measures

After complex treatment, the friction of the articular surfaces decreases, the crunch is not heard.

There is an improvement in all indicators:

• tense muscles relax;
• go away pain when opening the mouth;
• expands the range of motion of the jaw;
• makes eating easier;
• convulsions stop,
• is not bothered by headaches and discomfort in the neck.

But you need to understand that the crunch in the jaw, as a symptom of arthrosis of the TMJ, can be cured at 1-2 stages. Otherwise, they resort to surgical intervention as a last resort in case of pronounced morphological changes in the joint.

Doctor’s advice

During and after treatment, you will have to change your habits and daily lifestyle. The set of restrictions is small, but they must be observed constantly.

During treatment it is impossible :

• Eat solid food – the more pronounced the symptoms of the disease, the softer the prepared food should be, up to cereals, puree soups, kissels and juices
• Use chewing gum – prolonged mechanical stress provokes an exacerbation of arthrosis
• Practice vocals – prolonged singing leads to fatigue of facial muscles, excessive movements in the joint

Required after treatment

Frequently asked questions from patients

What medicines are prescribed for the treatment of jaw crunch?

As a rule, these are:

• Analgesics. Effective drugs from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Quickly reduce pain and swelling.
• Preparations based on medical bile, bee or snake venom. Before using them, be sure to make sure that there is no allergy.
• Antispasmodics. Tableted forms of muscle relaxants relax the facial muscles well and eliminate pain.
• Adrenal hormones. Prescribed for severe pain. Drugs inhibit inflammation, relieve swelling.
• Chondroprotectors. Restore cartilage.

All drugs should be taken only on prescription, according to a certain regimen and in prescribed dosages. Uncontrolled intake can only aggravate the situation!

Levin Dmitry Valerievich
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Head Physician of Center

What to do if treatment with a gnatologist does not help?

Cracking in the jaw, as a symptom of TMJ arthrosis, can be cured in stages 1-2. Otherwise, they resort to surgical intervention as a last resort in case of pronounced morphological changes in the joint. There are several options for surgical intervention:

• mandibular cartilage plasty;
• reduction of the articular disc;
• suturing of the joint capsule and sprained ligaments;
• intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid simulating joint fluid.

If the joint is so damaged that movement in it is impossible, the meniscus and head of the mandible are removed and arthroplasty is performed.

These methods are quite aggressive and not always successful – the functions of the joint are not fully restored, so it is better to start treatment in the early stages when the first symptoms appear.

Levin Dmitry Valerievich
Oral and maxillofacial surgeon, chief physician of the Center

Is it possible to get rid of the crunch in the joint by home methods?

Unlike other diseases (infectious, colds), joint diseases do not disappear on their own, they only get worse with time. To leave jaw arthrosis without due attention means to bring the onset of complete immobility in the joint closer.

Excessive enthusiasm for folk remedies leads to similar results. Rubbing extracts of propolis and eucalyptus, olive oil and cedar resin, beeswax compresses do not affect the function of the affected joint in any way – medicinal substances only nourish the skin, but do not penetrate into the joint cavity.

Levin Dmitry Valerievich
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Head Physician of Center

Levin Dmitry Valerievich

Author of the article. Oral and maxillofacial surgeon, chief physician of the Center

Published: 07/08/2022

Updated: 06/06/2023

Methods for fixing removable dentures

The ease of use of removable dentures is determined by the quality of their manufacture. One of the main points is fixation. The completeness of the restoration of lost functions largely depends on how the structures hold up after installation. Our specialists have extensive experience in removable prosthetics, we create designs in our own dental laboratory of the Center, therefore we bear full responsibility for the result. The use of advanced technologies and the latest materials enables us to create stable, comfortable prostheses of a decent quality level .

The options for fixing dentures in the oral cavity differ depending on the number of missing teeth. For partial teeth, preserved teeth are used, for complete teeth, anatomical formations of the upper and lower jaws are used.

Removable partial dentures fixation methods

A partial denture is used to restore one to several teeth. The design consists of artificial crowns soldered into a basis imitating the gum. The prosthesis is installed on the abutment teeth with the help of fasteners of a certain type.

Clasp system – for lamellar constructions

Partial dentures with a plastic base are fixed on sufficiently strong abutment teeth. As fasteners can be used:

Locking and telescopic types of fastening – for clasp

Removable dentures on a metal frame (clasp) can also be fixed on the abutment teeth using hook-clasps. In this case, the fasteners are made only of metal, they are an element of the arch of the prosthesis. This makes them noticeable, especially when located on the incisors or canines.

But when restoring teeth with clasp structures, aesthetics is no less important than functionality, since these prostheses are the most reliable and are designed for long-term use. Therefore, instead of hooks, as a rule, the following are used:

Removable prosthesis can be comfortable !

Comfort of use depends not only on how the prosthesis is attached, but also on the quality of its manufacture. An expensive, properly designed removable denture will restore the beauty of a smile, the ability to chew normally and will last more than 10 years. At the same time, no rubbing, falling out, displacements – complete comfort!

Levin Dmitry Valeryevich

Chief physician and founder of the Doctor Levin Center

Attachment of complete removable dentures – due to which they are held in the absence of all teeth

A complete denture imitates the natural jaw. The design consists of an artificial gum (base), for the manufacture of which hard or flexible plastic is used, and a set of crowns.

When fixing prostheses on the edentulous jaw, physical, mechanical and biological factors are taken into account. The main method used in modern orthopedics takes into account all three, forming biomechanical and biophysical types of prosthesis fixation.

In order for the structure to be held in the oral cavity, the combined action of factors is used:

1. Adhesion forces (physical factor)
   Acts when two wet surfaces are joined together. In this case, the prosthesis is wetted by saliva and adheres to the mucous membrane. The quality of adhesion depends on the viscosity of the salivary fluid, but in any case, this factor alone is not enough for reliable fixation.
2. Valve mechanism (mechanical factor)
   When installing the prosthesis, the edges of its base are tightly connected to the gum, slightly compressing the mucosa. The soft fabric then regains its shape, expelling all the air. As a result, a pressure difference is created, and the basis sticks tightly to the gum.
3. Anatomical characteristics (biological factor)
   Alveolar processes that protrude in place of former teeth also contribute to the retention of the prosthesis. On the upper jaw, part of the palate is additionally used. But with adentia, bone tissue atrophy progresses rapidly, which reduces the effectiveness of anatomical fixation.

Types of conditionally removable dentures on implants – for a better fit

There is only one way to maximize the comfort of using a removable denture in the absence of all teeth: fix it on implants . At the same time, the design differs in a less voluminous basis, does not overlap the palate on the upper jaw. It does not need to be additionally fixed with gels or creams, since it does not move or fall out.

For reliable fixation in the lower jaw, it is enough to place 2-4 implants. For a looser bone of the upper jaw, 4 supports will be needed. This is the minimum number, for even loading with severe bone atrophy, up to 6 implants may be needed.

Removable Implant Retention Systems Options:

Benefits of Full Denture on Implants :

Mini Implant Dentures

also use reduced models of implants. Such designs are only 1.8-2.4 mm in diameter and 6-10 mm in height. They are installed by puncturing the mucous membranes, without preliminary incisions. But in this case, only push-button fixation of the prosthesis is possible.

Removable prosthesis on mini-implants is installed on the day of surgery. By the evening the patient can chew. The procedure costs less than a standard implant, healing is faster .

But there are also disadvantages. Only a lightweight design can be installed on mini-implants, which cannot be fully loaded and used for a long time. Therefore, fixing on such supports is most often used as as a temporary version of .

Improved physiology can be achieved using the Fixed Prosthetics technology on All-on-4 implants. The All-on-6 and All-on-8 protocols can rightfully be considered the most ideal.

Standards and technologies of our Center

Removable prosthetics can be a worthy alternative to implantation. To achieve this goal, we use special technologies and strictly follow our own quality standards.

Computed tomography – for valid data

Research is carried out on a modern and convenient 3D dental apparatus Galileos (Germany)

• Obtaining data on the size and density of the jawbone
• TMJ examination (temporomandibular joints)
• Assessment of the condition of the teeth on which the prosthesis will be fixed

Functional diagnosis – for correct bite

We work with high-quality articulation systems SAM3, Protar or Amann Girrbach

• Determination of the correct jaw ratio even in the absence of teeth
• Customized prosthesis
• Customized prosthesis

Digital technology – for precision solutions

We use a photo protocol, intraoral 3D scanning and computer design of orthopedic systems

• High precision digital impressions
• Modeling and visualization of the design of the prosthesis

In-house laboratory – for error-free manufacturing

In-house laboratory: for error-free manufacturing

• Fast communication between orthopedist and dental technician
• Elimination of errors and distortion of data in the transmission of information

How to make the perfect removable denture that will stay in place?

The owner of a modern high-quality removable prosthesis eats with pleasure, communicates, smiles.