Got Trouble With Your Jaw? It Could Be A TMJ Disorder!

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the small joint located in front of the ear where the skull and lower jaw meet. It permits the lower jaw to move and function.

TMJ disorders are a family of problems related to this joint that produce a variety of symptoms. Patients may experience earaches, headaches and limited mobility of the jaw. They may also complain of clicking or grating sounds and feel pain when opening and closing their mouth. Since some types of TMJ problems can lead to more serious conditions, early detection and treatment are important.

Diagnosing TMJ disorders can be complex and may require different diagnostic procedures. As specialists in the areas of the mouth, teeth and jaws, Sudbrink Oral Surgery has the expertise, training and experience to correctly diagnose the problem and recommend the best possible treatment.

What Causes TMJ Disorders?

TMJ disorders develop for many reasons, but the most common cause is muscle tension related to stress. You might clench or grind your teeth, tightening your jaw muscles and stressing your TM joint.

TMJ disorders can also start when there is a problem with the joint itself, such as:

• An injury to the joint or surrounding tissues.
• Problems with the shape of the joint.
• Joint diseases, such as arthritis.
• The articular disc that cushions the joint can slip out of position.

Treatment

No one treatment can resolve TMJ disorders completely and treatment takes time to be effective.

The initial goals are to relieve the muscle spasm and joint pain. This is usually accomplished with a pain reliever, anti-inflammatory or muscle relaxant. Steroids can be injected directly into the joints to reduce pain and inflammation.

Simple self-care treatments we recommend include:

• Resting your jaw
• Keeping your teeth apart when you are not swallowing or eating
• Eating soft foods
• Applying ice and heat
• Exercising your jaw
• Practicing good posture

Stress management techniques such as biofeedback or physical therapy may also be recommended, as well as a temporary, clear plastic appliance known as a splint. A splint or nightguard fits over your top or bottom teeth and helps keep your teeth apart, thereby relaxing the muscles and reducing pain. There are different types of appliances used for different purposes. A nightguard helps you stop clenching or grinding your teeth and reduces muscle tension at night and helps to protect the cartilage and joint surfaces. An anterior positioning appliance moves your jaw forward, relives pressure on parts of your jaw and aids in disk repositioning. It may be worn 24 hours/day to help your jaw heal. An orthotic stabilization appliance is worn for 24 hours or just at night to move your jaw into proper position. Appliances also help to protect from tooth wear.

When should you consider surgery?

If your TMJ disorder has caused problems with how your teeth fit together, you may need treatment such as bite adjustment (equilibration), orthodontics with or without jaw reconstruction, or restorative dental work. Surgical options such as arthroscopy and open joint repair restructuring are sometimes needed but are reserved for severe cases. Sudbrink Oral Surgery will not consider TMJ surgery unless the jaw can't open, is dislocated and nonreducible, has severe degeneration, or the patient has undergone appliance treatment unsuccessfully.