TMJ/TMD
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, or TMD (TMJ), so-called, affects the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is located along the jaw-to-skull axis that connects the maxillofacial skeleton to the skull. The joint is responsible for performing essential activities such as mastication, articulation, and deglutition. If the TMJ is affected, different forms of pain and other symptoms may arise. As such, patients with TMD are able to receive pain assessment and management, as well as improve their quality of life at DentAesthetica.
What is TMJ/TMD?
The temporomandibular joint functions as a sliding hinge joint, which allows the jaw to move smoothly up and down. Various reasons can prevent the jaw from moving freely, such as TMJ Disorders caused by other factors, which include:
- Jaw Injury: Injury to the jaw, head, or neck region could be a major cause of TMJ, as it can be damaged and cause TMJ dislocation.
- Arthritis: TMJ can also be affected by arthritis. Such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis type
- Bruxism: When some individuals grind their teeth or clench their jaws during sleep, the temporomandibular region can be under excessive pressure.
- Stress: People experiencing TMD can have considerably high levels of stress, which may lead to tension or anxiety affecting the muscles of the jaw.
- Misalignment: Distraction due to teeth or worry about one-sided jaw movement can prevent the temporal TMJ from moving in a harmonious, coordinated manner.
Symptoms of TMJ/TMD.
TMD symptoms can take different forms, and they can be different for each patient. Some of the most common signs include:
- Jaw Pain: Consistent discomfort or inflammation of the jaw joint and surrounding area is referred to as ‘Jaw Pain.’
- Difficulty Chewing: Pain or discomfort while chewing or biting.
- Lockjaw: Total inability to open the mouth or to foreclose it entirely.
- Clicking or Popping: Sounds made by the jaw joint while closing and opening the mouth.
- Headaches: More often than not, individuals complain about migraines that are said to occur due to tension in the jaw region.
- Ear Pain: Pain radiating to ears or a sense of ringing in the ears, which is not explained by any infection of the ear.
Diagnosis of TMJ/TMD
At DentAesthetica, we carry out an in-depth diagnosis to ascertain the existence and scope of the TMD. This involves the following processes:
- Medical History Review: Ascertain the problems, check past health records, and identify other possible causes.
- Physical Examination: The assessment of TMD patients includes examining the jaw, neck, and head for tenderness, swelling, and movement patterns.
- Imaging Tests: X-ray, MRI, or CT scan are performed to assess the view of the jaw joint and its surrounding tissues.
- Bite Analysis: Evaluating the teeth’ positioning and also how they meet while a person bites down.
Treatment Options for TMJ/TMD
There is no universal solution to treating TMD; it is best managed on a case-to-case basis with regard to the person’s needs and the severity of the condition. At DentAesthetica, we provide the following treatment options:
- Medications: Use of analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, or other agents that can relieve the symptoms.
- Therapies: These include physical therapy, jaw exercises, and stress management to help enhance jaw function and minimize pain.
- Oral Appliances: These include custom-made mouth guards or splints to reduce tension on the TMJ and prevent clenching and grinding.
- TMJ Disorder Treatments: Treating dental problems such as bite and tooth misalignment as a contributory factor of TMD.
- Surgical Options: There are instances where measures such as arthrocentesis, arthroscopy, or open-joint surgery are used as they involve severe cases.