What is TMJ?
Two temporomandibular joints connect the lower jaw to the temporal bone. These joints, along with their associated muscles, ligaments, and tendons, collaborate to facilitate various oral functions, including chewing, speaking, and yawning. Within the TMJ, there is a soft disc that functions as a shock absorber between the lower jaw and the temporal bone, facilitating smooth movements in all directions. Due to its intricate nature, the TMJ is often regarded as one of the most challenging joints to address when issues arise.
Different Types and Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
TMJ disorders can be classified into any of the three categories mentioned below:
TMJ disorders fall into one of the three categories outlined below:
- Myofascial pain is marked by discomfort in the jaw joint area, resulting from heightened muscle tension and spasms caused by various factors.
- Internal derangement encompasses conditions where the disc is displaced, the jaw is dislocated, or there is trauma to the condyles of the jaw.
- Arthritis denotes a condition characterized by degenerative joint disease.
The risk of developing a TMJ problem is elevated if you have a history of teeth grinding or bruxism, experienced a jaw injury, or have specific types of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. Moreover, symptoms of a TMJ disorder can vary significantly from person to person, including earaches, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), headaches, back and neck pain, dizziness, muscle spasms, joint tenderness, jaw pain, popping or grating sounds when moving the jaw, jaw locking, and limited jaw movement. While some individuals may find relief from a TMJ disorder in a short period, others may continue to experience symptoms despite extensive therapy.
Diagnosis and Treatment
When evaluating the presence of a TMJ disorder, the dentist will conduct a comprehensive clinical assessment of joint symptoms and function. If necessary, additional diagnostic tests, including specialized radiographic imaging, will be ordered. Treatment options for a TMJ disorder may involve the use of oral appliances such as night guards or stabilization splints to alleviate strain on the joints. Other therapeutic approaches may include steroid injections, occlusal adjustments, and orthodontic or prosthodontic interventions to enhance the alignment of the teeth. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended.
Self-care methods can prove beneficial in alleviating some symptoms associated with a TMJ disorder. Patients are typically advised to consume soft foods, avoid excessive jaw movements like wide yawning and gum chewing, practice stress reduction and relaxation techniques, and apply ice packs or moist heat as instructed. If recommended, patients should follow gentle stretching exercises provided by their dentist or therapist. Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and pain medications may provide temporary relief. If these prove ineffective, the dentist or physician may prescribe stronger pain or anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, or anti-depressants.