Can TMJ Problems Mean You Need Full Mouth Reconstruction?

I went to my dentist for a check up and he hinted that I have TMJ disorder. He wants to treat it by giving me a full mouth reconstruction. Does TMJ really mean I need a full mouth reconstruction? How do I even know that I have TMJ?

Duke

Dear Duke,

You are asking good questions. Let’s start with how you’d know that you have TMJ disorder. Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are not the only thing that can show you have TMJ Disorder. Your teeth, muscles, and bite all work together  for proper function. If just one part of that system is off, the others get thrown off as well because they have to compensate.

Over time, this imbalance can lead to TMJ Disorder. Here are some of the symptoms. Bear in mind that you don’t need all of these.

• Chronic jaw pain
• Your jaw locking up
• Frequent headaches or migraines
• Clicking or popping in the jaw
• Teeth grinding and clenching (Most patients don’t even know they’re doing this, but your dentist can tell by the shape of your teeth
• Chipped or fractured teeth
• Excessive tooth wear
• Changes in the way your teeth fit together, known in dentistry as occlusion.

The wearing down of your teeth is often something that surprises patients. But, when your teeth wear down enough, it throws off your bite, which in turn affects how your jaw functions.

The best way to know if you have TMJ disorder is for a qualified TMJ dentist to examine you.

TMJ Treatment

Many people think TMJ problems begin and end with jaw pain. If your jaw clicks when you chew or you wake up with headaches, it seems logical to assume you simply need a night guard or medication to relieve the discomfort.

While sometimes that’s true, in other cases TMJ symptoms are actually warning signs of a larger problem. When that is the case, treating the jaw joint alone will not solve the real problem.

When Is Full Mouth Reconstruction Necessary?

Let me be clear, not every patient with TMJ disorder needs full mouth reconstruction. For most patients, this would be a massive overtreatment. However, there are times when it is the best course of action. If years of bite problems have caused extensive tooth wear, damaged restorations, multiple fractures, or a collapsed bite, then rebuilding the teeth will be needed to restore proper function. One of the most important parts of TMJ treatment is determining why the problem developed in the first place.

If you do need a full mouth reconstruction, bear in mind that this is a very advanced procedure and means crowning most, if not all, of your teeth. Do not let just any dentist do it. You will want a dentist with post-doctoral training specifically in treating TMJ.

For example, Dr. Wickness has completed advanced postgraduate training through the Dawson Academy, where dentists can learn the skills necessary to repair the root problem.  There are other reputable training institutions in addition to the Dawson Academy for this, such as the Las Vegas Academy for Advanced Dental Studies and the Pankey Institute. While your dentist might be right in his diagnosis, make certain he has the skills to do the treatment properly.

This blog is brought to you by a gentle Nashville Dentist Dr. David Wickness.