Temporomandibular joint disorder, commonly referred to as TMJ, is a complex condition; it can be caused by several things and it can be treated in a variety of ways.
If you touch the side of your face while you are opening and closing your mouth, you will feel the place where your temporal bones and mandible, or jaw, meet. Think about how many times this particular junction works during a given day. It enables you to eat, talk, chew gum, sing, and yawn. Now imagine if you experienced pain in that part of your body; it would make all of these actions very uncomfortable. That is what life can be like for TMJ sufferers. The good news is that this condition is treatable.
What are the symptoms?
There are a number of symptoms which can be associated with TMJ:
- Biting or chewing difficulty or discomfort
- Clicking, popping, or grating sound when opening or closing the mouth
- Dull, aching pain in the face
- Earache (particularly in the morning)
- Headache (particularly in the morning)
- Hearing loss
- Migraine (particularly in the morning)
- Jaw pain or tenderness of the jaw
- Reduced ability to open or close the mouth
- Tinnitus
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Dizziness
What are the causes?
TMJ, which falls under the broader umbrella of Temporomandibular disorders (TMD), can occur as a result of an injury, such as a “heavy blow or whiplash.” People who grind or clench their teeth are also prone to TMJ, as are people who have arthritis in this part of the body. In addition, a “dislocation of the soft cushion or disc between the ball and socket” of the temporomandibular joint can also be a culprit. Finally, stress, which can affect the body in so many ways, can cause TMJ.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis can be tricky because the pain may initially be attributed to another cause, such as sinus trouble or an injury. Conversely, some such conditions may mistakenly be attributed to TMJ. Diagnosis generally occurs as the result of an examination of the jaw, considering the patient’s history, and performing any necessary X-rays to provide the dentist with a visual representation of exactly what is going on in the patient’s temporomandibular joint. Armed with all of this information, the dentist can make a determination of whether TMJ or another issue is causing the problem. In some cases, the dentist may consult with a physician to achieve the most comprehensive overview of the situation.
How is it treated?
TMJ treatments range from simple options you can do at home to surgery. If you have TMJ, the dentist will base your treatment plan on your particular case. In many cases, it begins with the most conservative option and only progresses to more invasive options if earlier treatments are unsuccessful. Initially, the patient may be advised to apply heat or cold to the face and choose a diet that does not include foods that are hard to chew. Medication is also a possibility, as is a device that prevents grinding or clenching the teeth. Sometimes a dental procedure can correct the problem that is causing the TMJ. If these earlier treatments are not successful, the dentist may recommend another option, such as injections or ultrasound therapy. Surgery is also an option but only when “all other treatment options have been tried and you are still experiencing severe, persistent pain.” There are several types of surgery to treat TMJ; the appopriate type would depend on the specific case.