The temporomandibular joints, or TMJ, are the complex joints that connect the jaw to the skull. When these jaw joints don't function as they should, a TMJ disorder develops. Millions of people across the United States are affected by TMJ disorder.
TMJ disorders cause people to suffer from stiffness in the jaw, popping and clicking in the jaw, headaches, ear pain, and general soreness around the jaw joints. In order to provide the best treatment option for your TMJ disorder, the cause must be determined by your dentist.
A dislocated temporomandibular joint can be identified by popping or clicking noises during jaw movement. This can hamper the opening and closing motions and cause muscle strain. A malocclusion, or bad bite, strains the muscles as well, and arthritis can cause inflammation around the jaw joints. When the cartilage that surrounds the TMJ starts to wear or a person has the bad habit of grinding or clenching his/her teeth, this leads to many of the painful symptoms of a TMJ disorder.
Once your dentist determines the cause of your TMJ disorder, he/she will classify your case as myofacial pain, inflammatory joint disease or internal derangement of the joint. This will help your dentist find the best treatment options to ease your symptoms. Since TMJ disorders are sometimes difficult to understand, your dentist may consult with specialists in neuromuscular dentistry or ear, nose, and throat specialists when formulating a treatment plan.
Depending on your special needs, your dentist may suggest mouth guards and bite therapy to relieve your symptoms. TMJ mouth guards are worn over your teeth in order to prevent clenching and grinding, a common cause of TMJ pain. Your mouth guards will be customized to make your treatment the most effective. Bite therapy is an advanced measure to take when other options do not provide relief. Your dentist will analyze your case and pinpoint the cause of your TMJ disorder. Bite pressure will be measured, and an outline of dental procedures that will correct a misaligned bite and relieve your TMJ pain will be reviewed. Other treatment options, such as jaw exercises, help to re-train your jaw muscles to improve the TMJ function.
Daniel Beasley
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