If you’re someone who struggles with a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, also known as a temporomandibular disorder (TMD), you may have experienced a flare-up in your TMJ after dental work. That’s because certain dental procedures, including common ones like routine cleanings, can irritate the jaw and the area around it. Depending on the extent of that irritation — and the extent of your TMJ — the result could be a TMJ flare-up that requires a bit of extra care and attention in the hours and days after seeing your dentist.
TMJ is a disorder that affects the joints of the jaw, as well as the surrounding muscles and ligaments. While symptoms do tend to come and go, flare-ups can be quite debilitating, and it makes sense that you’d be wary of anything that may lead to discomfort.
Fortunately, while jaw pain after dental work is not uncommon, it’s also not totally untreatable. Here’s what to know about why your TMJ may be exacerbated by dental work — plus helpful tips for feeling better.
Why You May Experience a TMJ Flare-Up After Dental Work
The connection between dental work and TMJ has less to do with the procedures themselves and more to do with the position your mouth is in while they happen.
In order to access your teeth and gums, a dental specialist needs you to keep your mouth open wide for an extended period. It’s this sustained movement that can lead to a TMJ flare-up, since it requires the jaw muscles to work overtime. Depending on the procedure, you may also experience oral and/or facial inflammation that leads to further worsening of your TMJ symptoms.
Common Dental Procedures and Their Impact
Some dental procedures place more stress on the jaw than others. Even routine appointments can sometimes trigger sensitivity or stiffness if you’re prone to TMJ symptoms. Understanding how each one affects your temporomandibular joints can help you take simple precautions to minimize soreness later.
- Routine cleanings and fillings: These procedures may seem minor, but they can still lead to TMJ after dental work, especially if the jaw is already sensitive. Muscles and ligaments that stabilize the jaw may become fatigued, leading to brief tenderness afterward.
- Crowns, root canals or wisdom tooth extractions: Dental crowns, root canals or wisdom tooth extractions are more intensive and may lead to greater inflammation in the surrounding tissues. Longer appointments may involve keeping the mouth open for extended periods, increasing strain on the temporomandibular joint. For some patients, this can cause temporary swelling or tightness in the muscles used for chewing.
- Orthodontic adjustments: Shifting teeth can impact your bite and jaw alignment, sometimes triggering or worsening TMJ symptoms.
- Cosmetic treatments: Even cosmetic treatments like veneers or bonding sometimes contribute to mild tension in the jaw, particularly for those already managing TMJ. Open communication with your dentist can help you find ways to protect your joint during longer or more detailed procedures.
Key Symptoms of Post-Dental Work Jaw Pain
Some of the most common TMJ symptoms you may experience after dental work include:
- Pain and/or pressure in the jaw, face, ears, or neck
- Jaw stiffness
- Jaw popping and clicking
- Difficulties opening and closing the jaw
- Locking of the jaw joints
- Headaches
- Hissing or ringing sound in the ears
- Pain behind the eyes
How Long Does TMJ Pain Last After Dental Work?
Left untreated, TMJ symptoms will generally resolve within a few hours after dental work, though some people may experience symptoms that last for several days — or even weeks. The length of time it takes for TMJ symptoms to clear up depends on several factors, including how bad your TMJ pain is, the underlying cause of the disorder and any current treatment methods you might be using.
Tips to Prevent Jaw Pain After Dental Work
Here are some proactive steps you can take to prevent jaw pain after dental work:
Communicate With Your Dentist
If you are prone to extensive TMJ flare-ups, consult with your dentist before any scheduled procedures so that they can try to accommodate your condition and reduce the risk of sustained discomfort.
They may recommend placing a small support between your teeth — called a bite block — to help reduce the strain on the jaw joint. They can make other simple adjustments, such as scheduling shorter appointments or incorporating more frequent rest breaks during procedures to allow your jaw to rest. They may also give you opportunities to massage and stretch your jaw joints, which can help prevent a flare-up of TMJ or reduce its severity.
Manage Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety can play a role in post-dental work jaw pain, too. That’s because the more stressed we are, the more we tend to grind and clench our teeth (a condition called bruxism). You can help reduce dental-related stress through practices like deep breathing, meditation and progressive muscle relaxation. Many people also find it helpful to distract themselves during dental procedures by listening to music or audiobooks on headphones.
How to Treat TMJ After Dental Work and Feel Better Sooner
TMJ disorder is a tricky condition, and it’s not always possible to fully prevent it. But you can help yourself feel better by trying out one or more proven TMJ treatments.
Some of the ways to relieve the pain and discomfort of TMJ include:
- Applying heat or cooling packs to the affected area — heat is best for muscle soreness, while cold will help address any inflammation
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol or Motrin
- Eating soft foods and avoiding anything too crunchy, chewy or sticky
- Gently massaging or stretching your jaw and/or neck — talk to your dentist for tips on how to do this safely
- Wearing a mouthguard
It’s also a good idea to take steps to manage stress outside of the dentist’s office and prevent jaw clenching. Not sure where to start? Check out a guided meditation app on your phone, or simply set aside some time for general relaxation in the lead-up to a dental appointment.
When to See a Specialist for Jaw Pain
Mild soreness after a long dental appointment is common and typically resolves on its own. However, ongoing or worsening symptoms may indicate a more serious concern. Consider contacting your dentist or a TMJ specialist if you notice any of the following:
- Pain that lasts longer than one week or intensifies over time
- Jaw locking, whether in an open or closed position
- Severe headaches, dizziness or ear discomfort
- Difficulty eating, drinking or speaking due to tightness or pain
- Persistent clicking or popping sounds that occur with every jaw movement
Seeking professional guidance helps identify the cause of your discomfort and prevents more significant joint problems later. Early evaluation allows for targeted treatments, from customized oral appliances to therapeutic exercises that restore comfort and function.
See a Dentist About TMJ Pain Today
Don’t let fear of TMJ pain make you put off essential dental care and procedures.
Our team at Inspire Dental Wellness is committed to helping you manage your TMJ, whether it’s caused by dental work or is more of an everyday problem. We offer TMJ therapy that helps you get on the path to a pain-free life. We’ll also work with you to reduce stress before, during and after your dentist appointment, and we can guide you on gentle movements that will mitigate the risk of jaw tightness following dental work.
You deserve a dental experience that supports your total well-being. If your TMJ pain lingers or interferes with eating, speaking or sleeping, contact us today to schedule an appointment at our clinic in Orland Park.