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Patient
Education - TMJ Disorder
Some common symptoms include pain in or around the ear, tenderness
of the jaw, clicking or popping noises when opening the mouth,
or even headaches and neck aches.
The TMJ (temporo mandibular joint) is one of the most complex
joints in the body. These joints are located on each side
of the head and are responsible for chewing, speaking and
swallowing.
Diagnosis & Treatment
If you are having pain in your jaw or TM joint discuss it
with your dentist. The source of pain may be diagnosed through
an exam and x-rays. Inform your dentist of the type of pain
your having and when it occurs for example if it is only in
the morning or evening. Often, it's a sinus, toothache or
an early stage of periodontal disease. But for some pain,
the cause is not so easily diagnosed. The pain could be related
to the facial muscles, the jaw or temporomandibular joint,
located in the front of the ear. Treatments for this pain
may include stress reducing exercises, muscle relaxants, or
wearing a mouth protector to prevent teeth grinding. They've
been successful for many and your dentist can recommend which
is best for you.
Some TMJ problems result from arthritis, dislocation, and
injury. Clenching or grinding you teeth may also cause pain
in your TMJ. You may not even be aware that you are grinding
or clenching your teeth, on some occasions a dentist can diagnose
clenching and grinding by examining your teeth for wear marks.
All of these conditions can cause pain and dysfunction. Muscles
that move the joints are also subject to injury and disease.
Injuries to the jaw, head or neck, and diseases such as arthritis,
might result in some TMJ problems. Other factors that relate
to the way the teeth fit together-the bite-may cause some
types of TMJ disorders. Stress is thought to be a factor.
There are several ways the TMJ disorders may be treated. Your
dentist will recommend what type of treatment is needed for
your particular problem or recommend that you be referred
to a specialist. Treatment may involve a series of steps.
The step-by-step plan is in your best interest because only
minor, relatively non-invasive treatment may be needed.
Diagnosis is an important step before treatment. Part of your
clinical examination includes checking the joints and muscles
for tenderness, clicking, popping or difficulty moving. Your
complete medical history may be reviewed, so it is important
to keep your dental office record up-to-date. Your dentist
may take x-rays and may make a "cast" of your teeth
to see how your bite fits together. Your dentist may also
request specialized x-rays for the TM joints.
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