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TMJ

Can getting cavities filled trigger previous TMJ symptoms and what's the best way to support TMJ and clenching from stress?
Poster
  • Complaint duration: 11 days
  • Conditions: TMJ

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Featured Answer

3 UpVoted this answer Bharat J. Chauhan, DMD, BDS, MDS Dentist, Livonia Pamela MacPherson, DDS Prosthodontist, San Diego
If a new filling is placed and it changes the way the teeth articulate or come together it can trigger TMJ symptoms, especially in patients who clench or grind their teeth.

The best way to support TMJ and clenching is to avoid any stimulants such as caffeine, relax the muscles and joint with rest and warm compresses and use a soft mandibular orthotic professionally fabricated and checked for proper occlusion and jaw/joint position.
Seth Black
sometimes composite restorations or fillings need to be adjusted. when you are numb you cannot feel where your teeth are occluding together. this should be temporary. A TMJ problem usually is more chronic and a bite splint will help.
If on the lower lots of breaks,inform the dentist of previous issues. Trigger point injections pre treatment can help...and I've never been a fan of mouth props. If there has been a previous history, you need to control the tmj issues first before any major bite changes. Entertainment temporary fills to control decay if present settle the jaw down,then restore. Good luck Dr Mick
Absolutely, getting new fillings can trigger TMJ symptoms. If the bite is too high or you strained your jaw muscles from staying too long, that can most definitely affect jaw pain, popping, clicking, sensitive teeth and even headaches.

The best way to help diminish TMJ symptoms is to wear a bitesplint that is custom made by your dentist. A dentist trained in Neuromuscular dentistry would be best as they have advanced training and education in how to properly make the muscles be in harmony with your jaw.
Jason Ingber
yes

remove the stress

ex. stressful job, or boyfreind...girlfreind...
centre bellesdents
Short answer: Yes.

Longer answer: Sometimes fillings need adjustments after they are placed to correct the bite.

If they are "high" then your jaw can be affected; especially if you grind or clench your teeth.

Longest answer: You'll have to go to your dentist for a super detailed answer.

As for the TMJ support and minimizing the effects of clenching/stress, one should start by getting a customized occlusal guard made by the local friendly dentist.
Steven H. Kim
There are a couple of reasons that you may notice TMJ symptoms following a dental procedure:

1. Any period of prolonged opening of the mouth may fatigue or stress muscles and trigger symptoms. I like to routinely offer patients mouth props to help avoid straining the muscles to hold open during longer procedures. This is basically just a little rubber wedge that you can rest your teeth on, while still holding open. You may wish to request a mouth prop and additional time for small breaks during long appointments.

2. Your body and your teeth are always seeking balance and the teeth form a perfect little landscape, with upper teeth biting equally into lower teeth and all of your muscles resting in a comfortable position. Any time a tooth changes shape from wear, orthodontics, or maybe from dental crowns and fillings, the "landscape" of your mouth has changed. If something is slightly out of balance, your muscles will notice and you can experience uncomfortable symptoms. This fitting together of teeth is called Occlusion. An adjustment of your occlusion may be necessary to find relief.

Here are some ideas for TMJ Discomfort:

- Soft food diet for 1 week. Chewy/tough meats and hard nuts can sometimes cause discomfort

- Avoid chewing gum, sleeping on your stomach, cradling phones on your shoulder, any positions that may put your head and neck in unnatural positions

- Warm, moist compresses (moisten a washcloth and warm slightly in the microwave) hold against the uncomfortable joint

- See your dentist to have a custom nightguard fabricated and carefully equilibrated. This will cushion your teeth and protect from the damage of clenching/grinding

- See your dentist to check your occlusion following the fillings. They may need to be adjusted.

- Magnesium has been found to soothe muscle tension

- Investigate stress reduction techniques such as meditation, floating, yoga, and physical therapy

Good Luck!
A simple adjustment on the filling will eliminate your discomfort. TMJ symptoms should go away. A bite guard will help protect your teeth and help with your clenching from stress. Of course, take care of your stress is the best solution which easier said than done.
Michael Huynh
Restoring a tooth as a result of caries (cavity) can cause TMJ problems if the restoration is hitting first, in the wrong place for a period of time without adjustment. Usually a simple bite adjustment of the restorations by your dentist can significantly reduce or eliminate symptoms. A TMJ analysis would still be recommended to make sure that the fillings are the only cause of your TMJ problem.
Daryl Byrd
Yes, prolonged wide openings could cause stress in the joint area and trigger return of symptoms. During treatment patient should be given breaks to do relaxation exercises for joint and muscles
James K. Kirkpatrick