One of the most common dental problems that people have affects their temporomandibular joint (TMJ).  Before discussing the types of TMJ treatment that is available, it is important to examine the importance of the temporomandibular joints to a person’s daily life.  Two TMJ joints can be found in each person and the TMJ is the joint that is used to open and close a person’s mouth.  Connecting the mandible (lower jaw) to the temporal bones of the skull (the bones found on the side of the skull), there are TMJ joints found on both the left and right side of a person’s jaw.  The muscles attached to and surrounding the TMJs perform essential actions.  They are responsible for controlling the movement of the jaw, which allows a person to: talk, chew, yawn, and other valuable functions.

The way that the human jaw works when the mouth is opened is that the condyles (the rounded ends found on the lower jaw) glide along the joint socket of the temporal bone.  Conversely, when a person closes their mouth, their condyles glide back.  To ensure that these opening and closing movements are smooth, a soft disc can be found between the condyles and the temporal bones that is made of cartilage, which absorbs shocks to the TMJ from daily functions like chewing.

Although the human body is designed to protect the temporomandibular joint, TMJ disorders are a common problem faced by Americans.  These TMJ problems can result from injury, aging, and poor dental behavior like frequent gum chewing, teeth grinding, and teeth clenching.  Although the presence of one of these symptoms does not necessarily indicate the presence of a TMJ disorder, common symptoms of TMJ disorders include:

• A sudden change in a person’s bite
• Dizziness
• Earaches
• Headaches
• Hearing problems
• Limited jaw movement
• Pain in the face, jaw, neck, or shoulders
• Popping/clicking in the jaw joint

If you are suffering from any of these symptoms and are also experienced prolonged pain, it is highly recommended that you consult a doctor.  Your doctor will be able to make a diagnosis of TMJ disorder while looking for the cause of your discomfort.  To check for TMJ disorder, your doctor will feel your jaw muscles and ask you if there is any pain or tenderness.  Additionally, your doctor will examine your jaw movement and listen for any clicking or popping sounds.  Your doctor will also examine your medical and dental history while having the option to use such specialized medical equipment such as MRI, tomography, and artography to confirm a TMJ disorder diagnosis.

Once, your doctor has confirmed the presence of a TMJ disorder, the next step is treatment.  However, TMJ treatment takes on a number of forms that relate to the specific type of TMJ disorder that a person is suffering from.  From a medical perspective, TMJ problems are classified into three main groups of disorders: muscle disorders, joint derangement disorders, and degenerative joint disorders.

1.      Muscle disorders describes TMJ problems located in the muscles that control the TMJ and the muscles located in a person’s face and neck.  These disorders are often called mysofacial disorders and are the most common of the TMJ disorders.  Individuals with TMJ muscle disorders will experience pain in the muscle areas listed above.

2.      Joint derangement disorders are a group of TMJ problems that is caused by either: a dislocated jaw, a displaced disk, or an injured bone.

3.      Degenerative joint disorders are a group of TMJ problems that is caused by diseases like arthritis that destroy the cartilage that cover the TMJ and absorbs the shocks caused by such actions as chewing.  Degenerative joint disorders stem from the wear and tear of the TMJ joints.

Depending on the type of TMJ disorder that you are suffering from and the extent of the TMJ disorder, you will undergo TMJ treatment.  TMJ treatment includes an emphasis on jaw rest, the applications of heat or ice to help relieve jaw pain, and the use of anti-inflammatory medication.  Additionally, your doctor may recommend physiotherapy that emphasizes muscle stretching and relaxing exercises.  In turn, you will be expected to change aspects of your daily behavior to combat your TMJ disorder.  You will have to avoid: chewing gum, eating hard-to chew-foods, and opening your mouth wide to ensure that you do not worsen your TMJ condition.  In some cases, you may be required to wear a dental splint that is designed to help you reduce grinding and clenching.  This plastic device fits over the top or bottom teeth and will not create any serious disturbance to your daily routine.  In extreme cases of TMJ disorder, TMJ treatment may involve some form of surgery that can range from tightening the TMJ joint ligament to restructuring the TMJ to replacing the TMJ.

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