Disorder of the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is a condition that can cause difficulty with jaw functions. The disorder can cause jaw pain that restricts how you open and close your mouth. You might notice clicking sounds or jaw locking when eating, talking or yawning. Continue reading to learn more about the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of TMJ disorder.
The temporomandibular joint connects the mandible to the temporal bone of the skull. A small bit of cartilage called an articular disc is present between the two bones. When opening and closing the mouth, the disc moves as the jaw bone rotates and glides back and forth to enable movement.
Different muscles connect near the temporomandibular joint. The muscles allow easy opening and closing of the jaw for talking, eating and other mouth functions. Various ligaments connect the bones to make the joint stable.
Symptoms of TMJ disorder often start slowly without connection to specific condition or injury. Patients may experience pain when chewing hard foods. The pain is usually intermittent and often starts after exerting too much pressure on the jaw or when opening the mouth wide, like when yawning. Some of the common causes of the condition include:
When the jaw joint is subjected to excessive stress, pain and joint movement dysfunction may occur. This may cause inflammation of the joint and muscles around the temporomandibular joint.
Anyone experiencing pain in the jaw joint will need to visit a dental professional. The dentist will ascertain the cause of the pain and provide a diagnosis of the condition. TMD diagnosis is mostly obtained through a clinical exam. The dentist may palpate the jaw joint and muscles, checking for tenderness or clicking when opening or closing the mouth.
The dentist will also check the jaw’s range of motion, searching for misalignments. Sometimes, the jaw may open properly on one side and not the other, forcing the jaw to move to one part when opening the mouth. Also, an x-ray may be taken to check for arthritis around the TMJ, and an MRI may reveal the situation of the articular disc in the jaw. After making a diagnosis, the dentist can work toward developing a treatment plan for the patient.
Depending on the patient’s condition, some of the treatment options for TMJ disorder include:
In rare cases, orthodontic treatment, arthrocentesis and joint replacement surgery might be recommended. The dentist will discuss the benefits and risks of these procedures and continue to monitor the patient during treatment.
Some patients with TMJ disorder get better without treatment. However, if you are experiencing symptoms of the condition, it is advisable to visit a dentist for diagnosis and treatment.
Request an appointment here: https://moderndentalnj.com or call Modern Dental Care at (609) 454-0093 for an appointment in our East Windsor office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: TMJ Dentist in East Windsor, NJ.
Oral surgery refers to a wide range of dental procedures, from simple to complex. Some people assume that an oral surgeon performs all dental surgeries. However, this is only sometimes the case. General dentists frequently perform surgical procedures, and this blog takes a closer look at some common surgical procedures general dentists perform.While dentists can…
Visiting a general dentist for routine check-ups is an important part of maintaining optimal oral health. During these visits, patients have the opportunity to ask questions and gain insights into their dental care. Preparing with thoughtful questions helps ensure that all concerns are addressed and that you understand the most effective practice for maintaining a…
When discussing denture adjustments, the topic can extend beyond those performed by a dentist. Adjustments to your lifestyle can also help ease the transition as you get used to your new dentures. Whether this is your first set of dentures or you just got a replacement pair, you may notice discomfort in the mouth and…
Dental cleanings from a general dentist are a routine part of oral care for anyone who wants a healthy, beautiful smile. Typically, they are most effective when done at least every six months. To better understand why dentists recommend cleanings so frequently, it can help to learn the process and benefits of these preventive dental…