Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ)

TMJ disorders (also known as TMD) are a family of problems related to your complex jaw joint. If you have had symptoms like pain or a "clicking" sound, you will be glad to know that these problems are more easily diagnosed and treated than they were in the past. These symptoms occur when the joints of the jaw and the chewing muscles (muscles of mastication) do not work together correctly.   Since some types of TMJ problems can lead to more serious conditions, early detection and treatment are important.

No one treatment can resolve TMJ disorders completely and treatment takes time to become effective. The doctors at COMSA can help you have a healthier and more comfortable jaw.

Trouble with your Jaw?

TMJ disorders develop for many reasons. You might clench or grind your teeth, tightening your jaw muscles and stressing your TM joint. You may have a damaged jaw joint due to injury or disease. Injuries and arthritis can damage the joint directly or stretch or tear the muscle ligaments.  As a result, the disk, which is made of cartilage and functions as the “cushion” of the jaw joint, can slip out of position. Whatever the cause, the results may include a misaligned bite, pain, clicking or grating noise when you open your mouth, or trouble opening your mouth wide.

Do You Have a TMJ Disorder?

• Are you aware of grinding or clenching your teeth? 
• Do you wake up with sore, stiff muscles around your jaws? 
• Do you have frequent headaches or neck aches? 
• Does the pain get worse when you clench your teeth? 
• Does stress make your clenching and pain worse? 
• Does your jaw click, pop, grate, catch, or lock when you open your mouth? 
• Is it difficult or painful to open your mouth, eat or yawn? 
• Have you ever injured your neck, head or jaws? 
• Have you had problems (such as arthritis) with other joints? 
• Do you have teeth that no longer touch when you bite? 
• Do your teeth meet differently from time to time? 
• Is it hard to use your front teeth to bite or tear food? 

The more times you answered "yes," the more likely it is that you have a TMJ disorder. Understanding TMJ disorders will also help you understand how they are treated.

Treatment

There are various treatment options that the doctors at COMSA can utilize to improve the harmony and function of your jaw. Once an evaluation confirms the diagnosis of TMJ disorder, your doctor will determine the proper course of treatment.

The initial goals are to relieve the muscle spasm and joint pain.  This is usually accomplished with a pain reliever, anti-inflammatory medication or muscle relaxant.  Self-care treatments can often be effective as well and include:

1. Resting your jaw
2. Keeping your teeth apart when you are not swallowing or eating
3. Eating soft foods
4. Applying moist heat
5. Exercising your jaw
6. Practicing good posture.

Stress management techniques such as biofeedback or physical therapy may also be recommended, as well as a temporary, clear plastic appliance known as a splint.  A splint or night-guard fits over your top or bottom teeth and helps keep your teeth apart, thereby relaxing the muscles and reducing pain.  There are different types of appliances used for different purposes.  A night-guard helps you stop clenching or grinding your teeth, reduces muscle tension at night and helps to protect the cartilage and joint surfaces.  The night-guard also helps to protect against excessive tooth wear.