What is TMJ Disorder? Causes, Treatment & More
When a person has TMJ, they refer to a range of problems that affect the jaw joint and its muscles, resulting in discomfort or dysfunction. According to some estimates, more than 10 million Americans are estimated to suffer from TMJ issues. Women are more likely to suffer from the condition than men.
If you are experiencing jaw joint pain, there is a possibility for a TMJ disorder. Read along the article to learn more.
What is TMJ disorder?
TMJ issues impact the temporomandibular joint, which is placed in front of the ears on each side of the head. A soft cartilage disk serves as a cushion between the joint's bones, allowing the joint to move freely.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone like a sliding hinge to your skull. You have one joint on each side of your jaw. TMJ problems, a subtype of temporomandibular disorder, or TMD, can result in pain in the jaw joint and the muscles regulating jaw movement.
The two TMJs that connect your lower jaw, the mandible, to the temporal bone of your skull on either side are incredibly complicated joints that allow for three-dimensional movement. The lower jaw and temporal bone come together like a ball and socket, separated by a cushioning disk. Large pairs of muscles move the lower jaw in the cheeks and temples.
Any of these components — the disk, the muscles, or the joint itself — can contribute to TMD development. If you are experiencing pain or trouble opening or shutting your jaw, we will do a complete examination to determine the source of the problem and provide suitable treatment.
Causes
TMD can occur due to injury to the jaw, the joint, or the head and neck muscles, such as from a hard impact or whiplash. Additional causes include the following:
- Grinding or clenching your teeth places a great deal of strain on the joint.
- The movement of the joint's soft cushion or disc between the ball and socket
- Joint rheumatoid arthritis
- Stress can lead you to clench your teeth or tense your facial and jaw muscles
Other possible causes include genetic, hormonal, or environmental factors. For example, violinists have been found to have a higher rate of TMJ issues than the general population because their endeavor requires them to hold an instrument beneath the jaw. This can result in strain, which can result in TMJ issues.
Given that women are more likely than men to suffer from TMJ issues, researchers are actively investigating the hormonal reasons for TMJ.
While the cause is unknown, experts think examining the relationship between the female hormone estrogen and TMJ issues will be beneficial.
Diagnosis
Teeth decay, sinus difficulties, arthritis, and gum disease can have similar symptoms. The dentist will ask about your medical history and do a physical exam to determine what is causing yours.
They'll listen for clicks, pops, or grating sounds when you move your jaw joints and check for any pain or tenderness. They'll also check to see if your jaw locks up when you open or close it, which is a common problem. They'll also assess your bite and face muscles for any issues.
To rule out any additional issues, your dentist may use full-face X-rays to examine your jaws, temporomandibular joints, and teeth. Other tests, such as an MRI or computer tomography, may be required (CT). Using an MRI, you may see if your TMJ disc is in the correct position. A CT scan reveals the joint's bone structure.
An oral surgeon (also known as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon) may be brought in for additional treatment and assistance. Surgery of the mouth, teeth, nose, and other head and neck parts is part of their expertise. You may also consult an orthodontist to ensure that your teeth, muscles, and joints function properly.
Signs
Muscle pain
This sensation is felt in the cheeks (masseter muscles) and temples (temporalis muscles), including the two major pairs of jaw-closing muscles. If you have soreness and stiffness upon awakening in the morning, this is frequently due to nighttime habits such as clenching and grinding your teeth.
Clicking sound
A typical but painless symptom is a peculiar popping, clicking, or grinding sounds made while eating, speaking, or merely opening the mouth.
Noises made while the jaw is moved are not usually indicative of TMJ issues. Indeed, jaw noises are highly prevalent. Medical counsel should seek only when the sounds occur in conjunction with pain or restricted jaw mobility.
Earaches can be accompanied by buzzing, ringing, or numbness in the ears, and these symptoms can also be connected with TMJ issues.
Restricted Movement
The inability to fully open the mouth or move the jaw in specific directions might result in significant daily discomfort.
Treatment
TMJ dysfunction symptoms may go away on their own in certain circumstances, and no treatment is required. As long as your symptoms aren't improving, your doctor may prescribe a combination of treatments.
TMJ conditions can cause serious health issues, such as chronic discomfort and inflammation, if not treated. Teeth erosion and long-term diseases like sleep apnea and depression, and anxiety can also be caused by it.
Non-surgical
TMJ issues can be successfully treated at home in many circumstances. Mild-to-moderate symptoms may be adequately managed by self-care and dietary modifications.
Home treatment
TMJ issues can be successfully treated at home in many circumstances. Mild-to-moderate symptoms may be adequately managed by self-care and dietary modifications.
In some instances, limiting jaw mobility can help alleviate symptoms. When it's suggested that you take some time off, you might consider avoiding chewing gum, eating only soft foods, and avoiding the clenching or tensing of your jaw.
Medication
Aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve) are over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). Higher doses of NSAIDs or other painkillers, such as narcotic analgesics, can be prescribed by your doctor. For persons who grind or clench their teeth, muscle relaxants can assist loosen their jaw muscles. In rare cases, anti-anxiety medication might help alleviate the symptoms of TMJ. When taken in moderation, antidepressants may help relieve or control pain. Prescriptions are required for muscle relaxants, anti-anxiety medications, and antidepressants.
Surgical
Surgical intervention for TMJ is a last resort. Even then, many doctors aren't in favor of surgery. Surgery may be necessary if there is an internal problem with the joint.
Arthrocentesis
Arthrocentesis is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that alleviates joint stiffness caused by fluid accumulation in the joint space. Your oral surgeon will administer a local anesthetic before injecting sterile fluid to flush out the fluids in the joint during TMJ arthrocentesis.
Arthroscopy
An arthroscopy (keyhole surgery) allows your surgeon to see inside your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) using a camera inserted through a small cut on your skin. Your surgeon can diagnose problems such as torn cartilage and damage to the surface of the joint.
Open-joint surgery
Open-joint surgery takes longer to recover from and has a higher risk of tissue scarring and nerve injury than arthrocentesis or arthroscopy. Nevertheless, open-joint surgery may be the best option in some cases. It's up to your doctor to help you figure out which treatment is best for you.
Contact Garza DDS to learn more about TMJ disorder
It is important to remember that the discomfort associated with TMJ disorder symptoms is temporary for most people. Symptoms can be alleviated with simple self-care measures. Patients need treatment based on an accurate, conservative, reversible diagnosis and individualized for their unique circumstances. Book a consultation with us today to learn more.