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.
General dentists recommend adding flossing to your oral hygiene routine once a day. This important practice removes plaque and food debris that brushing alone cannot reach. While string floss is an effective way to clean between your teeth, several alternative methods can make the cleaning process more comfortable and efficient.Flossing is an essential part of…
Whether you are about to book an appointment for tooth implants or you have just undergone the procedure, you probably want to learn proper aftercare to ensure healing and recovery. One of the questions that patients often ask is what and what not to eat after surgery. Although placing implants ensures that you have dental…
Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental treatment. This procedure can effectively brighten your smile by addressing discoloration and stains. By understanding how teeth whitening targets stains, you can see how the process can restore your teeth to a cleaner and more youthful appearance.Tooth discoloration can occur for several reasons, and identifying the source is…
Approximately 25 million adults in the United States experience obstructive sleep apnea. This sleep disorder can go unnoticed until the symptoms become debilitating. Not knowing about the disease is one of the main reasons people do not receive adequate treatment.Obstructive sleep apnea is a chronic sleep disorder that occurs when the upper airway becomes blocked…