TMJ Treatment
Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ), also referred to as temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are the most common source of chronic facial pain and jaw dysfunction.
There are two temporomandibular joints that connect the left and right sides of the lower jaw to the temporal bone. Both joints and their associated muscles, ligaments and tendons work together to allow the jaw to move up and down, front to back and from side to side. Containing a shock-absorbing, soft disc that sits between the rounded condyles of both sides of the lower jaw and the corresponding concavities in the skull’s temporal bone, the TMJ makes chewing, speaking, yawning and all jaw movements possible.
Since the TMJ is a joint with both up and down hinge-like movements, as well as side to side and front to back sliding motions to perform, it is often considered one of the most complicated joints in the body and one of the most difficult to treat when problems arise.
TMJ disorders can fall into one or more of the following three categories:
- Myofascial pain – This is pain in the jaw area due to various causes of increased muscle tension and spasm.
- Internal derangement – This involves displacement of the disc, jaw dislocation or trauma to the condyles of the jaw.
- Degenerative joint disease – This is a type of arthritis in which the protective barrier between the bones in the joint breaks down and is no longer providing a cushion between the bones.
The risk for developing a TMJ problem is greater in the presence of long-term teeth grinding known as bruxism, a jaw injury or various types of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. How TMJ disorders manifest can also vary from person to person with a wide range of symptoms including:
- Earaches
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Headaches
- Back and neck pain
- Vertigo
- Muscle spasms
- Joint tenderness
- Jaw pain
- Popping or grating sounds with jaw movement
- Jaw locking and limited jaw movement.
When evaluating for the presence of a TMJ disorder, we will perform a thorough clinical assessment of joint symptoms and function. Special radiographic imaging and other diagnostic tests will be ordered as needed. The treatment of a TMJ disorder may include oral appliances such as night guards or stabilization splints to alleviate strain on the joints. Other types of therapy may include steroid injections, occlusal adjustments as well as orthodontic or prosthodontic treatment to improve occlusion. In cases of persistent and serious TMJ problems, surgery may be recommended.
Methods of self-care can be helpful in alleviating some of the symptoms of a TMJ disorder. Patients are typically advised to eat soft foods, avoid extreme jaw movement such as wide yawning and gum chewing, to practice stress reduction and relaxation techniques and applying ice packs or moist heat as directed. If recommended, a patient should follow the dentist or therapist’s instructions for gentle stretching exercises. The short-term use of over-the-counter, non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs and pain medications may provide relief. If not the dentist or physician may prescribe stronger pain or anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants or anti-depressants.