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://www.drscottdlurie.com or call Dr. Scott D. Lurie at (732) 227-4814 for an appointment in our East Brunswick office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: TMJ Dentist in East Brunswick, NJ.
Dental practices provide essential oral health services to patients of all ages. These services range from preventive and restorative treatments to cosmetic and emergency procedures. Understanding the types of care available at a general dental practice can help patients make informed decisions about their oral and overall health.Preventive care is a cornerstone of dental practice…
While patients can receive the immediate care they need during a dental emergency, they may still struggle with stress and some pain following the appointment. Thus, you need to follow specific guidelines from the emergency dentist to boost your recovery. One of the most important aspects is following specific dietary restrictions to prevent potential complications…
Seeking an emergency dentist immediately after a dental injury can help prevent further complications and ensure proper treatment. Whether a tooth is chipped, cracked, or knocked out, taking the right precautions is essential for preserving oral health. However, some actions can worsen the damage or delay healing. To protect the teeth and avoid additional harm,…
Routine visits to a dental practice offer numerous benefits that go beyond simply keeping teeth clean. Staying on top of regular care helps prevent bigger issues down the road. Whether it is a basic checkup or specialized treatment, frequent visits to a dental practice can greatly contribute to better oral health and general well-being.Regular treatment…