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Causes and Symptoms
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, or TMD, can be a complicated and complex problem. The TMJ is located in front of each ear and is responsible, with the associated ligaments, tendons, disks, and muscles, for all jaw movements. Problems with the joint are referred to as TMD. They can be manifested in a variety of ways including headaches, earaches, ringing in the ears, problems with jaw opening or closing, tenderness of the jaw muscles, popping or clicking noises when the jaw is opened or closed, neck pain, and upper back pain.
When the jaw joint does not function properly, there can be pain and muscle spasms. However, it should be noted that muscle spasms and resulting pain may have nothing to do with the jaw joint. The TMJ is essential to all movements that involve the jaw. The pain can be slight, moderate, or severe. It can be sporadic or constant and even debilitating. It is common for a TMD patient to have difficulty chewing hard foods or opening the mouth wide without discomfort. Some of the patients may have a problem chewing soft foods. Normal function of the joint can be affected by trauma (accident), improper positioning of the teeth, disease (arthritis), and stress-related habits such as clenching and grinding.
TMJ dysfunction has been called The Great Imposter because it mimics other problems. Sometimes it is hard to diagnose. Sometimes it is easy to determine. Many times, special radiographs are absolutely necessary to see the nature of the problem.
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Treatment Options
Once the problem is diagnosed, possible treatments are considered. The usual method of treatment is very conservative: mouthguards (bite guard) and various repositioning splint therapy appliances specifically constructed for you. They permit the joint area to rest and give it a chance to heal. These therapies are relatively inexpensive. Time of treatment varies considerably among patients. Some may get relief in a few days; others may need months. Some may have to wear the appliances all the time; some, just at night. Other treatment may include prescription medication, habit-breaking appliances, TMJ orthodontics, physical therapy, biofeedback and counseling, and in extremely rare cases orthodontic corrective surgery along with total bite reconstruction.
Depending on the exact nature of your TMD problem, we may decide to treat you here or send you to a specialist or surgeon for this treatment. Early treatment may help you to a better chance for a successful result. This is especially true if the nature of the problem is degenerative, and not related to clenching or grinding. Although diagnosis of TMD problems may often be easy, the exact nature of the treatment needed to obtain relief may be difficult. |
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