“TMJ” – Temporomandibular Joint Disorder or TMD
What is the Temporomandibular Joint?
The temporomandibular joint is the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull. The joint acts as a hinge to allow you to move your jaw up and down and side to side. This enables you to chew and talk.
What is TMD/TMJ?
Problems related to the temporomandibular joint and the facial muscles that control it are called Temporomandibular Joint Disorder. Most people who suffer from the condition will simply refer to it as ‘TMJ’ although the correct acronym is TMD.
What Causes Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder is somewhat of a mystery. There are many things that can cause the symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder. Problems with the facial muscles, the joint, or even the jaw itself can cause symptoms.
Some of the most common conditions that have been associated with TMD include the following:
• Dental issues including teeth grinding and bite problems known as ‘malocclusion’
• Arthritis in the temporomandibular joint
• Repeated clenching of the jaw due to stress
• An injury to any of the facial muscles or bone structures that are utilized by the jaw
• An injury to the head or neck
Symptoms
People who suffer from TMD/TMJ report symptoms that range from mild to severe and may include the following:
• Clicking or popping sounds and sensations when moving the jaw
• Sore facial and jaw muscles, especially around the joints of the jaw (underneath the ears)
• Jaws that get ‘stuck’ when yawning or opening the mouth widely
• Sore neck and pain that reaches down to the shoulders
• Stiffness and swelling
• Head and earaches
• Problems opening and closing the mouth
• Problems chewing, and a feeling that the upper and lower teeth are not meeting properly together when chewing
• Dizziness and fatigue
• Sinus pain
Often times the pain of TMD is severe and requires the use of strong painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications. People who suffer from the symptoms of TMD are very frequently unaware of anything particular that occurred that led to the onset of symptoms.
Diagnosis
In most cases, your physician will be able to make a diagnosis of TMD based on your description of symptoms. A thorough examination will be performed, and your physician will ask you about any dental issues you’ve had in the past or present.
In cases that are harder to diagnose based simply on symptoms, x-rays, CT scans and MRI scans may be used to provide a detailed image of the jaw bone, temporomandibular joint, and facial bones.
TMD/TMJ Treatment Options
Rest, Ice and Medication
As mentioned above, the most severe symptoms will usually require one or more courses of treatment with pain killers and anti-inflammatory drugs. Additionally, ice packs and resting the jaw joint can be helpful in alleviating some of the pain.
Self-Care – What can you do to help ease the pain of TMD/TMJ?
There are several things you can do at home to help alleviate the pain and other symptoms of TMD:
• Avoid clenching your teeth
• Be conscious of keeping you facial muscles relaxed whenever possible
• Do no chew gum, hard candy, ice, or other hard foods that require heavy use of the jaw and teeth
• Chew your food slowly and evenly on both sides of your mouth
• Avoid movements or positions that place pressure and stress on the jaw and face (i.e. cradling the phone between your jaw and shoulder; leaning your face on one hand etc.)
• Practice good posture with your back straight and head up
• Apply ice to the joints to help reduce swelling
Physical Therapy and Relaxation Techniques
Your physician may advise you to perform special exercises to help ‘work’ the muscles and joints of the jaw. Additionally, when the jaw is not in use, you may be advised to practice special relaxation techniques that will help prevent clenching of the jaw.
Neuromuscular Dentistry
Neuromuscular Dentistry is a special branch of dentistry that deals specifically with the relationship between teeth, and the joints and muscles of the head and neck. If you’ve been diagnosed with TTMD/TMJ by your physician, but have not been able to attribute the onset of the condition with a specific incident, accident or injury, your physician may refer you to a Dentist for further examination of the structures of your jaw and teeth.
A dentist may be more likely to diagnose the root cause if it’s related to your teeth. As well, if TMD is related to your bite or the placement of your teeth, a dentist is someone who will be able to come up with an effective treatment plan for you.
What if my TMD is Caused by Problems With My Teeth?
As noted, your dentist will be able to diagnose issues with your teeth and jaw that may be contributing to your TMD.
If your TMD/TMJ is caused by a malocclusion (bite problem), your dentist will recommend an appropriate treatment for the dental issue that will often lead to resolution of TMD. Treatment can include dental restorations or extractions, orthodontics (braces or spacers) or even a night guard to prevent teeth grinding in your sleep.
Cost of TMD/TMJ Treatment
The costs involved in treating TMD are varied depending on what is causing the symptoms. If you are being treated by a physician, your regular medical coverage should cover all of the cost.
If you are being treated by a dentist, some or all of the costs may be covered by an extended health and dental plan. Check with your provider to see what coverage is available to you.
Summary
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder or TMD, is a condition that affects the jaw, joints, and muscles of the face. There are many causes of the condition, and many effective treatments available depending on what is causing the condition.
If you are experiencing the symptoms of TMD, consult your physician and dentist to find out what treatment options are best for you. Sometimes a combination of treatments and therapies are required. Your physician and dentist will work together to help ease your symptoms.
TMD Treatment Vancouver
At Enhance Dental Centre, we have been providing TMD treatment in Vancouver for several years. If you’re experiencing any sort of jaw discomfort or muscle discomfort, please contact us for a free consultation. There are effective TMD treatments available that can assist with the discomfort you are experiencing.
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