WHAT IS TMJ?
The temporomandibular joints connect the lower jaw to the temporal bone. These joints, along with their associated muscles, ligaments, and tendons, collaborate to facilitate essential oral functions like chewing, speaking, and yawning. Within the TMJ is a soft disc that acts as a cushion, allowing smooth movements in various directions between the lower jaw and the temporal bone. Because of its complexity, managing issues related to the TMJ is often considered a challenging task.
Different Types and Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
TMJ disorders can be classified into three groups:
- Myofascial pain, characterized by discomfort in the jaw joint area due to increased muscle tension and spasms caused by various factors.
- Internal derangement, referring to the displacement of the disc, dislocation of the jaw, or trauma to the jaw condyles.
- Arthritis, a degenerative joint disease.
Individuals who grind their teeth (bruxism) for an extended period, have a history of jaw injury, or live with certain types of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis are more prone to developing TMJ problems. Symptoms of TMJ disorders can vary widely among individuals and may encompass earaches, tinnitus, headaches, back and neck pain, dizziness, muscle spasms, joint tenderness, jaw pain, popping or grating sounds when moving the jaw, jaw locking, and restricted jaw movement. While some may find relief from a TMJ disorder relatively quickly, others might continue to experience symptoms despite extensive therapy.
Diagnosis and Treatment
The dentist will conduct a thorough assessment of joint symptoms and function to diagnose the presence of a TMJ disorder. If needed, additional diagnostic tests, like specialized radiographic imaging, may be requested. Treatment options may involve using oral appliances such as night guards or stabilization splints to reduce strain on the joints. Other therapeutic approaches may include steroid injections, occlusal adjustments, and orthodontic or prosthodontic interventions to improve teeth alignment. In severe cases, surgery might be recommended.
Self-care methods can help alleviate TMJ disorder symptoms. Patients are encouraged to eat soft foods, minimize excessive jaw movements, practice stress reduction and relaxation techniques, and apply ice packs or moist heat as directed. If advised, patients should also follow gentle stretching exercises provided by the dentist or therapist. Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and pain medications may provide temporary relief. If these are ineffective, the dentist or physician may prescribe stronger pain or anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, or antidepressants.