TMJ: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options

What is TMJ Disorder?

The TMJ is the joint connecting the temporal bones of your skull (located just below your temple, in front of your ear) to your jaw. You use this hinge to do everything from moving your jaw to eating, talking – even breathing.

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) occur when your jaw and facial muscles become strained. You begin to feel pain in the area, and if the disorder progresses to a severe state, the joint may become immobile.

Types of TMJ Disorder

There are actually three main types of TMJ disorders:

Joint Degenerative Disorders

Most commonly known as osteoarthritis, this joint degenerative disorder happens when cartilage holding the round ends of the two bones in your jaw together breaks or wears away.

Cartilage absorbs shocks during movement and allows your bones to easily glide over one another. When the cartilage deteriorates, you will experience pain and swelling, and you may be unable to move your jaw.

Muscle Disorders

Muscle disorders, also known as myofascial pain, involve pain and discomfort in all of the muscles that control the function of your jaw. You may also feel pain in your jaw, shoulders, and neck.

Joint Derangement Disorders

A soft, small disc located between the temporal bone and the condyle facilitates smooth and easy jaw opening and closing. This disc is also crucial because it absorbs shocks to the jaw joint during movement.

When an individual has a joint derangement disorder, the inner workings of the jaw are disrupted or unbalanced due to a dislocated disc or damaged bone.

This displaced disc causes internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint. Currently, there is no surgical solution to this problem.

Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

With every type of TMJ Disorder, you’ll likely experience pain in your jaw and face. The area around your ears may hurt, and you’ll feel an ache when you open your mouth to eat or talk.

Other symptoms may include:

• Facial bruising or swelling
• Problems opening, closing or clenching your jaw
• Headaches, dizziness or pain in your temples
• Grinding, clicking or popping sounds when you open your jaw
• Additional pain in your neck and/or shoulders

When You Should See a Dentist for TMJ Treatment

If at-home remedies such as stress reduction, chewing gum, gently massaging your neck and jaw muscles, and experimenting with over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) have not been effective, you should schedule a dental appointment.

Your dentist will review your dental history, perform a thorough examination of your bite and jaw, and take x-rays to assess before providing an official diagnosis of TMJ Disorder. The treatment he or she recommends may include:

• TMJ therapy
• Physical Therapy
• Oral Surgery
• Dental splints
• Prescription medications

Your dentist can help you manage your TMJ Disorder with a combination of home remedies and attentive dental care.

Are you experiencing headaches, dizziness, or jaw pain? We may be able to help or provide a referral. Book an appointment with our Woodbridge dentists today.