What is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect the lower jaw to the temporal bone. These joints, along with their interconnected muscles, ligaments, and tendons, collaborate to facilitate oral functions like chewing, speaking, and yawning. Positioned within the TMJ is a soft disc functioning as a shock absorber, enabling smooth movements in various directions between the lower jaw and the temporal bone. 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 encompass three primary categories:
1. Myofascial pain: This type involves discomfort in the jaw joint area due to heightened muscle tension and spasms, triggered by various factors.
2. Internal derangement: This category includes conditions where the jaw disc is displaced, dislocation of the jaw, or trauma to the jaw condyles.
3. Arthritis: Referring to degenerative joint disease, arthritis can also affect the TMJ.
Several risk factors contribute to the development of TMJ issues, such as a history of teeth grinding (bruxism), prior jaw injuries, and specific arthritis types like rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.
Symptoms of TMJ disorders can widely differ among individuals and may include earaches, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), headaches, neck and back pain, dizziness, muscle spasms, tenderness in the joint, jaw pain, clicking or grating sounds when moving the jaw, jaw locking, and limited jaw movement.
While some individuals might experience relief from TMJ disorders relatively quickly, others may persist with symptoms despite undergoing extensive therapy.
Diagnosis and Treatment
The dentist will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of joint symptoms and functionality to assess the presence of a TMJ disorder. Additional diagnostic tests, including specialized radiographic imaging, might be requested if deemed necessary. Treatment options for TMJ disorders may involve utilizing oral appliances like night guards or stabilization splints to alleviate strain on the joints. Other approaches might include steroid injections, occlusal adjustments, and orthodontic or prosthodontic interventions to enhance teeth alignment. In severe cases, surgery might be recommended.
Self-care methods can assist in alleviating some symptoms of TMJ disorders. Patients are advised to consume soft foods, refrain from excessive jaw movements such as wide yawning or gum chewing, practice stress reduction techniques, and apply ice packs or moist heat as directed. Dentist or therapist-recommended gentle stretching exercises may be suggested. Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers can offer temporary relief. If these prove ineffective, stronger pain or anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, or anti-depressants may be prescribed by the dentist or physician.