FAQ

TMJ

I hear clicking sounds in my jaw when I open my mouth. Do I need treatment?

If there is only a sound with no pain or catching, you don't need immediate treatment — observation is enough. Clicking sounds from the jaw

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TMJ

My jaw feels stiff when I wake up. Why?

Teeth grinding or clenching during sleep is the most common cause. While you sleep, strong forces are unconsciously and continuously applied

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TMJ

My mouth doesn't open well.

There's a strong possibility of restricted mouth opening (trismus), so please don't force it open and come in as soon as possible. It often

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TMJ

Can TMJ disorders heal naturally?

Mild muscular pain often improves within 1-2 weeks with just rest, soft foods, and warm compresses. However, problems with the disc or bone

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TMJ

How is TMJ disorder treated?

TMJ treatment proceeds in stages, starting with conservative care. 1) Lifestyle correction and self-care (warm compresses, soft foods), 2) m

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TMJ

Do stress and daily habits affect the TMJ?

Yes, they have a very large effect. When you're stressed, you unconsciously clench your teeth, putting continuous strain on the jaw muscles

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TMJ

How much does a splint appliance cost?

At our clinic, a custom splint (occlusal stabilization appliance) is precisely fabricated from an impression of your teeth and costs in the

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TMJ

Do I need to wear the splint all day?

No, it's usually worn only while you sleep. Because teeth grinding and clenching mainly occur during sleep, night-time wear alone can reduce

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TMJ

Can TMJ disorder or teeth grinding cause headaches?

Yes, they can. The temporalis muscle, which moves the jaw, extends up to the temple area, so when this muscle becomes tense from grinding or

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TMJ

Could surgery be needed?

Most TMJ disorders improve without surgery through conservative treatment such as medication, physical therapy, and splints. Surgery is cons

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TMJ

Are physical therapy and medication helpful?

Yes, for early-stage TMJ conditions, medication and physical therapy are the foundational treatments. Muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory

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TMJ

Are there foods or habits to avoid when my jaw hurts?

Yes, there are. For foods, avoid 1) tough, chewy items like dried squid, beef jerky, and galbi (ribs), 2) hard nuts and ice, and 3) gum that

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TMJ

Can TMJ problems cause facial asymmetry?

Yes, it can happen. If only one jaw joint wears down (degenerative change), or growth of one joint is impaired during the growth period, the

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TMJ

Is there a chance of recurrence?

Yes, a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder can come back if the habits that caused it remain. Teeth grinding, clenching, chewing on only

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TMJ

Is it okay to get Botox often?

Repeat injections are fine as long as you keep an appropriate interval of 3 to 6 months. The effect usually lasts 3 to 6 months, and the sta

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TMJ

Once I get Botox, do I need to keep getting it?

You do not have to keep getting injections, but repeat treatment is needed to maintain the effect. The effect lasts about 3 to 6 months, aft

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TMJ

Is there first aid for a dislocated jaw?

If your jaw is dislocated, do not try to force it back in - come to a dental clinic or emergency room as soon as possible. For first aid, 1)

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TMJ

Can chewing on only one side cause facial asymmetry?

Yes, chewing on only one side over a long period can contribute to facial asymmetry. Only the chewing muscles on the side you use develop, s

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TMJ

What causes teeth grinding?

Teeth grinding usually comes from several factors overlapping rather than a single cause. The main ones are 1) stress and tension, 2) poor s

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TMJ

What happens if teeth grinding is left untreated?

Left untreated, grinding lets damage accumulate in the teeth and jaw joints. Specifically, 1) teeth wear down, becoming shorter and sensitiv

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