FAQs

TMJ stands for the Temporomandibular Joint. This is the joint responsible for linking the bottom portion of the jaw to the head. TMJ also refers to problems with the joint, known as temporomandibular joint disorder.

TMJ disorder has a number of symptoms, including difficulty opening the mouth, pain and tenderness in the face or around the jaw, lockjaw, clicking or popping noises in the jaw, difficulty chewing, cheek swelling, headache and migraines, facial pain, neck pain, back pain, ringing in the ears, numbness of the fingertips, and more.

Some causes that have been linked to TMJ symptoms include natural misalignment of the jaw during development, past orthodontic treatments, trauma to the jaw, teeth grinding (bruxism), arthritis, and numerous other bodily misalignments. Top dentists, including Dr. Solomon, are continuing to conduct research to find out more about other causes of TMJ.

To determine if you have TMJ, you will need a thorough medical and dental examination by a skilled TMJ expert. Even if symptoms do not manifest, it is important that you get a checkup to see if your jaw is misaligned. Refer to this TMJ checklist and pain chart. If you have any combination of the symptoms below, you should contact Dr. Solomon.

You can examine yourself by answering these questions. If you’ve answered “yes” to any combination and you’re looking for a consultation, contact Dr. Solomon.
• Have you ever had braces?
• Do you have any missing back teeth?
• Have you had any extensive dental crowns or bridgework?
• Do you clench or grind your teeth during the day or night?
• Are there imprints of your teeth on the side of your tongue?
• Does your tongue go between your front teeth when you swallow?
• Do you experience pain or difficulty while chewing?
• Are you unable to comfortably insert your first three fingers vertically into your mouth when it is opened wide?
• Do you hear grating, clicking, or popping sounds in your jaw joints when opening your mouth or chewing?
• Is your jaw painful or locked when you get up in the morning?
• Is it hard to move your jaw from side to side or forward and back?
• Is it painful or is there soreness when you press on your jaw joints or on the cheek just below them?
• Does your jaw deviate to the left or right when you open wide?
• Do you have sensations of stuffiness, pressure, or blockage in your ears?
• Do your ears produce excessive wax?
• Do you ever feel dizzy or faint?
• Do you fatigue easily or consider yourself chronically fatigued?
• Do your fingers feel numb for no reason?
• Do you have pain or soreness in any of the following areas: jaw joints, upper jaw or teeth, lower jaw or teeth, side of the neck, back of head, forehead, behind eyes, temples, tongue, or chewing muscles?
• Have you ever had head trauma or whiplash?
• Have you ever experienced a blow to the chin, face or head?
• Do you suffer from trigeminal neuralgia?
• Do you suffer from facial ticks?
• Do prescription drugs no longer relieve your symptoms?

In order to diagnose TMJ, Dr. Solomon will extensively evaluate you head to toe, discuss prior medical history and any symptoms, and conduct a physical examination. We will take a CBCT scan and other necessary diagnostic imaging. Dr. Solomon will then asses the results of your exam and imaging to come up with a solid diagnosis.

Sometimes, the TMJ symptoms can go away, but the alignment of the jaw will not correct itself. Symptoms may also return if there is enough aggravation, such as stress or trauma to the jaw.

Using an orthotic is one way to gradually guide the jaw back into alignment. You may also consider TMJ surgery, but it is usually used as a final option.

The process of jaw realignment will take some months, but it is common for patients to begin feeling relief from TMJ within weeks of wearing the orthotic as per Dr. Solomon’s instructions. .

Only 2% of dentists in the United States understand Neuromuscular Dentistry and effectively treat TMJ problems. Of this small amount, there is an even more limited portion (about 0.5% of dentists) who have the capable expertise of offering Neuromuscular Dentist with focus on Gnathology treatment. Dr. Sid Solomon is an innovative Neuromuscular Dentist with focus on Gnathology who has built upon the last three decades of TMJ treatment through his initial findings as an NM dentist and continued education and research in Neuromuscular Dentist with focus on Gnathology.

A great TMJ dentist not only has the proper qualifications, but also is equipped with a robust amount of information regarding TMJ. He can make you feel comfortable about the effective procedures, has a long history of dealing with TMJ cases, and has numerous testimonials and positive reviews from past TMJ patients. A great dentist will make you feel like he truly understands your situation. Dr. Sid Solomon has all of this and more, including extensive credentials and qualifications.

TMJ disorders can develop into problematic, prolonged conditions, especially without proper comprehensive TMJ treatment. In the short term, painkillers and therapeutic Botox® can help with the discomfort, and a simple mouth guard can reduce damage from bruxism. We highly suggest patients at least explore the potential of treatment.