What’s the difference between TMJ and TMD?

TMJ refers to the jaw joint, while TMD is a group of disorders that affect the joint, muscles, and surrounding structures, causing pain and dysfunction.

Who is at risk for developing TMJ disorders?

Adults aged 20–50, especially women, are more commonly affected by TMD. Other risk factors include jaw injuries, arthritis, clenching, grinding, stress, and sleep apnea.

What are the common symptoms of TMJ disorders?

Common symptoms include jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, headaches, ear pressure, facial pain, limited jaw movement, and tooth wear from grinding.

What causes TMJ disorders?

TMD may be caused by clenching, grinding, joint injury, arthritis, poor posture, or airway and sleep issues. It is often multifactorial in nature.

What are the different types of TMJ disorders?

TMDs include muscle-related (myogenous), joint-related (arthrogenous), mixed types, hypermobility-related disorders, and rare TMJ pathologies such as tumors or ankylosis.

How is TMJ disorder diagnosed?

Diagnosis includes a full medical and pain history, head and neck exam, jaw function assessment, and imaging such as CBCT or MRI for detailed joint evaluation.

How are TMJ disorders treated?

Most TMJ disorders are treated with non-surgical methods like oral appliances, Botox, laser therapy, trigger point injections, behavior training, and physical therapy.

What home remedies can help manage TMJ symptoms?

Helpful home care includes using moist heat and ice, eating a soft diet, avoiding jaw overuse, doing gentle jaw exercises, and practicing stress-reduction techniques.

TMJ Arthritis

Jaw stiffness, pain, or grinding? Arthritis may be affecting your temporomandibular joint.

At Advanced TMJ Maxillofacial Pain & Sleep Center, we specialize in evaluating and managing arthritis of the TMJ—a common but often overlooked source of jaw pain, restricted movement, and bite changes. Whether due to wear-and-tear (osteoarthritis) or autoimmune disease (like rheumatoid arthritis), joint damage can worsen without proper diagnosis and care.

What Is TMJ Arthritis?

TMJ arthritis refers to inflammation or degeneration of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)—the small but complex hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull. Just like knees and hips, this joint can become inflamed, worn down, or structurally damaged over time or due to underlying conditions.

There are several types of arthritis that may affect the TMJ:

Osteoarthritis – Degenerative “wear-and-tear” arthritis that breaks down cartilage
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – Autoimmune arthritis causing inflammation in the joint lining
Psoriatic Arthritis or Ankylosing Spondylitis – Inflammatory conditions that may involve the jaw
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) – May affect TMJ development in children and teens
Reiter’s Syndrome- AKA Reactive arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory joint condition that occurs after an infection elsewhere in the body (commonly gastrointestinal or urogenital). The joint itself is not infected, but the immune system mistakenly attacks it in response to a previous infection.
Septic Arthritis - Infectious (or septic) arthritis of the TMJ occurs when bacteria or other pathogens invade the joint space, leading to rapid inflammation, swelling, and pain.

What are the Symptoms of TMJ Arthritis

Jaw pain or stiffness—especially in the morning or after chewing
Clicking, grinding, or popping sounds during jaw movement
Limited ability to open your mouth fully
Difficulty chewing tough foods
Pain radiating to the ears, temples, or neck
Changes in your bite or facial symmetry over time
Flare-ups associated with weather changes or joint stress

How Arthritis Damages the TMJ

Cartilage breakdown leads to increased friction and pain
Inflammation of the joint lining (synovium) causes swelling and stiffness
Bone remodeling can result in deformity, joint instability, and bite changes
Compensatory muscle strain may trigger headaches and facial tension

Without early intervention, TMJ arthritis can become a chronic, progressive condition that significantly affects daily function.

Diagnosis at Our Seattle TMJ Specialty Clinic

As an Oral Surgeon and board-certified Orofacial Pain Specialist, Dr. Chandrashekhar provides expert evaluation and management of arthritic TMJ disorders.

Your visit may include:

Detailed medical, dental, and rheumatologic history
Assessment of jaw range of motion, joint noise, and loading tolerance
Palpation of the TMJ and surrounding musculature
Advanced imaging (e.g., CBCT or MRI) to evaluate bone and soft tissue changes
Collaboration with your rheumatologist or primary care provider for systemic arthritis

Treatment Options for TMJ Arthritis

We offer personalized treatments that help reduce pain, preserve joint function, and improve quality of life:

Stabilization splints or bite guards to offload the joint and reduce stress
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) to reduce inflammation and promote healing
Medications including anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, or neuropathic pain relievers
Thermal therapy (moist heat or cold packs) for joint and muscle comfort
Therapeutic ultrasound and gentle exercises to improve range of motion
Trigger point therapy for associated myofascial pain
TMJ injections and arthrocentesis
Collaboration with other oral surgeons and rheumatologists for complex or advanced cases
Explore regenerative options like PRP and prolotherapy for TMJ Arthritis

In advanced cases, TMJ Surgery may be the only route.

Why Choose Advanced TMJ Maxillofacial Pain & Sleep Center?

Led by a dual trained Oral Surgeon and board-certified Orofacial Pain Specialist with expertise in TMJ arthritis
Evidence-based, conservative care—no unnecessary surgery or invasive treatments
Collaborative care for patients with autoimmune or systemic joint conditions
Serving Seattle, Bellevue, Shoreline, and surrounding communities
We accept most medical insurance plans