The jaw is a hinge joint called the temporomandibular joint. There is one on each side of the skull.
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a group of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions that affect the complex temporomandibular joint, the surrounding musculature, and the bony components. They affect the jaw and the surrounding muscles and ligaments that control it.
The most common symptoms may be jaw pain, ear pain, headache, facial pain, mild clicking of the jaw, and difficulty opening the mouth. TMD affects up to 15% of adults, with a higher proportion between 20 and 40 years of age. There are different ways to treat it, based on the medical evaluation from medications and therapies to surgical procedures.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull. It is located on both sides of the face in front of the ears. Together with the muscles, these joints help with chewing and speaking.
Temporomandibular joint disorders, abbreviated as TMD or TMJD, refer to any pain and dysfunction of the jaw joints or the muscles around them.
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, approximately 10 million Americans are likely to have this disorder; it is more common among women than men.
There are three main classes of temporomandibular disorders:
These disorders can cause:
More classifications of TMD syndrome published in the American Academy of Family Physicians provide expanded, specific information.
Some things that make TMJ worse:
Different types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis
In the temporomandibular joint, various bones interact. They are covered with cartilage and separated by a small disc that absorbs the shock, making the movements smooth.
Potential causes of TMD:
It is necessary to know that the temporomandibular joint can generate noises without pain. It is completely normal and does not require treatment. However, some symptoms should be evaluated by a doctor since they could be an indication of a temporomandibular disorder:
These symptoms can appear on one or both sides of the face. Other factors that could make TMJ symptoms worse are poor diet and a lack of sleep.
Disorders of the temporomandibular joint can be difficult to diagnose. There is no protocol that indicates specific steps. Treatment is simply based on the findings of the patient’s clinical history and a physical examination since the causes and symptoms are not always exact. Your dentist or doctor will ask several questions to make a detailed physical evaluation, following.
You may be referred to a specialist who can diagnose your situation. In any of these scenarios, you may require treatments in stages or only one, depending upon the diagnosis or other health conditions present.
Approximately 5% to 10% of patients require treatment for TMD, while 40% of patients have spontaneous resolution of symptoms. However, the multidisciplinary approach is most favorable for successful treatment.
Recommended self-care treatments may reduce jaw movement:
When simple management and good habits are not enough, and your doctor or dentist diagnoses a specific temporomandibular disorder, he or she may recommend one or more of the following treatments:
a. Therapies
The goal of physical therapy is to maintain, improve, or restore movement and physical function. There are several types:
b. Medications Medications
Medications may be prescribed to help with pain management. They may be available over the counter (OTC) or require a prescription:
Surgery is indicated if all previous options have been ruled out according to the diagnosis or because the problem does not subside. If there is no pain relief with other treatments, the following procedures may be considered:
a. Botox: Botulinum toxin injections can relieve pain from jaw muscle tension.
b. Injections: Doctors may inject corticosteroids directly into the affected joint to reduce pain and swelling.
c. Arthrocentesis: This procedure removes debris and inflammatory byproducts from the joint by flushing the joint with fluid through tiny needles.
d. Arthroscopy: This procedure uses a small, thin tube (arthroscope) to check, diagnose, and treat the cause of TMJ. The procedure may change the position of the cartilage disc, improve joint surfaces, and treat scarring.
e. Open joint surgery (arthrotomy): Doctors use this surgical procedure to repair, replace, or remove parts of the TMJ, but it is more invasive than the other treatments.
Since temporomandibular joint disorders have multiple causes, it is possible to cure them if the exact cause is known and the patient’s response is favorable to the indicated treatments. However, to avoid this disorder in the first place, it is recommended to take into account the above recommendations for better personal care habits. Integrating them into your lifestyle should help reduce the condition, and it may even disappear on its own.
If you have any questions about this or other topics, you can contact us at Channel Island Family Dental as well as our Facebook page. We look forward to your visit, and we will make a timely diagnosis. Our dentists in Oxnard, Saint Paula, Venture, Newbury Park, and Port Hueneme will be able to guide you toward the best treatment to take care of your health and give you back your best smile.
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