Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders are a family of problems related to your complex jaw joint. If you have had symptoms like pain or a "clicking" sound, you'll be glad to know that these problems are more easily diagnosed and treated than they were in the past. Since some types of TMJ problems can lead to more serious conditions, early detection and treatment are important.
For those patients having a functional problem the objectives of treatment are to:
- Reduce the pain
- Restore comfortable function to the jaw
- Limit the recurrence of pain
- Establish a more stable jaw relationship
For some patients, stress plays a major role in TMJ-related functional problems. Tooth grinding, jaw clenching, or excessive jaw movements can be stress induced. Often times, the simplest way to get relief is to become aware of the problem and take steps to stop or control the habit.
Should the habit persist and muscles and joint related structures continue to be uncomfortable, other treatment techniques need to be evaluated. These may include physical therapy, jaw exercises or the use of a specially designed bite plate (orthotic). Bite plate therapy is often successful in relaxing the jaw muscles, reducing muscle spasm and allowing the jaw to close in a position that allows more muscle relaxation.
Sometimes occlusal equilibration is indicated in order to get a longer lasting, more stable bite. In this procedure, tooth surfaces may be reshaped to reduce premature contacts, allowing the teeth and muscles to work together in a more harmonious fashion. Tooth structure that is in the way of harmonious jaw function is eliminated, resulting in improved muscle function.
Trouble with Your Jaw?
TMJ disorders develop for many reasons. You might clench or grind your teeth, tightening your jaw muscles and stressing your TM joint. Or, you may have a damaged jaw joint due to injury or disease. Whatever the cause, the results may include a misaligned bite, pain, clicking or grating noises when you open your mouth, or trouble opening your mouth wide.
Do You Have a TMJ Disorder?
- Are you aware of grinding or clenching your teeth?
- Do you wake up with sore, stiff muscles around your jaws?
- Do you have frequent headaches or neck aches?
- Does the pain get worse when you clench your teeth?
- Does stress make your clenching and pain worse?
- Does your jaw click, pop, grate, catch, or lock when you open your mouth?
- Is it difficult or painful to open your mouth, eat or yawn?
- Have you ever injured your neck, head or jaws?
- Have you had problems (such as arthritis) with other joints?
- Do you have teeth that no longer touch when you bite?
- Do your teeth meet differently from time to time?
- Is it hard to use your front teeth to bite or tear food?
- Are your teeth sensitive, loose, broken or worn?
The more times you answered "yes," the more likely it is that you have a TMJ disorder. Understanding TMJ disorders will also help you understand how they're treated.
There are various treatment options that the doctor can utilize to improve the harmony and function of your jaw. Once an evaluation confirms a diagnosis of TMJ disorder, your doctor will determine the proper course of treatment. It is important to note that treatment always works best with a team approach of self-care as well as professional care.
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