TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint)
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders are conditions affecting the jaw joints and surrounding muscles and ligaments. It can be caused by trauma, an improper bite, arthritis, or wear and tear. Common symptoms include jaw tenderness, headaches, earaches, and facial pain.
Symptoms of TMJ disorders:
- pain that can be felt in the face or neck
- stiffness in the muscles of the jaw
- limited movement of the jaw.
- locking of the jaw
- A clicking or popping sound from the TMJ site
- Dental issues, such as the wearing down of teeth,
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
- Vertigo
- headaches
- There is a shift in the jaw, changing the way that the upper and lower teeth align (called malocclusion).
Symptoms may show up on just one side of the face or both.
What causes TMJ disorders?
In many cases, it’s not known what causes TMJ disorders. Trauma to the jaw or joint may play a role. There are also other health conditions that may contribute to the development of TMJ disorders.
These include:
- arthritis
- erosion (wearing away) of the joint
- Habitual grinding or clenching of the teeth
- structural jaw issues present at birth
- growth disorders
Examination Methods:
- Examination of teeth and closure systems
- Examination of chewing muscles
- Examination of the jaw joint
The foremost priority is educating the patient about the subject.
Diagnosis:
TMJ disorders can be difficult to diagnose. There are no standard tests to diagnose most of the disorders that fall under that title. A doctor may refer you to a dentist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist to diagnose your condition. A healthcare professional may examine you to see if there is swelling or tenderness. They may also use several different imaging tests.
These can include:
- X-rays. X-rays of the jaw and teeth usually involve you biting down on a small mouthpiece as your dentist moves an imaging machine around your head. These X-rays will allow your dentist to see the bones in and around your jaw, as well as your teeth's placement.
- A CT scan A CT scan of the jaw allows your doctor to see the bones and joint tissues in a more advanced way than a regular X-ray.
- MRI. An MRI of the jaw will reveal if there are problems with the structure of the jaw. An MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging scan, uses a magnetic field to show detailed images of organs and tissues.
TME Treatment
- Treatment of symphoms
- Treatment of the underlying cause
- Removal of predisposing factors
- Treatment of pathological factors
- Treatment options:
- Patient education and preventive treatment.
- Splint treatment
- Medication
- Exercises
- Physical therapy
- Manipulation
- Psychiatric support
- In late cases, extreme procedures (surgical, etc.)
During the treatment process,
Decreasing stress on the joints is crucial. Patients should avoid stress as much as possible.
Chewing gum and eating hard substances that would tire the jaw are prohibited.
When yawning or sneezing, the mouth should not be opened too wide and the jaw should be supported with hands.
Biting is absolutely prohibited. Nutrients should be taken as small pieces.
One-sided chewing should be done. Nutrients should be chewed on both sides.
In cases where pain is overwhelming, pain medication, relaxants, and anti-inflammatory medication can be used before consulting with your dentist.
At the end of the treatment period,
Early and pathologic tubercule contacts are fixed.
Colosure is checked and, if necessary, the patient is forwarded to the orthodontics department.
If there are missing teeth, they are amended with prosthetic treatments and a neutral closure is ensured.
If the gnashing of teeth continues, psychiatric consultation is demanded.
Only after these after-treatments can the treatment process achieve success.
Lastly, the treatment of TME dysfunctions requires a multidisciplinary approach, including patient compliance. With the treatment applied by the TME specialist, physical treatment specialist, psychiatrist, and neurologist, consultation might be required.
Trudent Clinic team consists of practicians that have expertise in TME dysfunctions and receives assistance from other specialized fields when necessary.
