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.dentalelement.com or call Dental Element at (215) 383-1575 for an appointment in our Philadelphia office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: TMJ Dentist in Philadelphia, PA.
Dental contouring reshapes the teeth and improves one’s smile. A cosmetic dentist can contour chipped, cracked, and uneven teeth. Contouring can be used to fix misaligned teeth as well. Here are the basics of dental contouring, when to get it, how it works, and what to expect during the procedure.Dental contouring — also known as…
A cosmetic dentist can offer procedures that can improve your smile. These treatments may also help improve your dental function. Discussing your aesthetic goals with your dentist can prepare you for your procedures. Here are the top procedures that your cosmetic dentist may suggest.This procedure applies tooth-colored composite resin on the affected teeth. The cosmetic…
As people seek to obtain a flawless smile, the demand for cosmetic dentistry has grown in recent years. Dental technology advancements have made cosmetic dental services more accessible, allowing people to enhance their aesthetics. Nonetheless, numerous queries remain regarding cosmetic dentistry services. This article addresses some of the most frequently asked questions about cosmetic dentistry.Cosmetic…
Aside from the aesthetic benefits, visiting a cosmetic dentist is a great way to boost your confidence. People often use cosmetic dentistry to improve their self-esteem, overcome trauma, reduce anxiety, and much more. This article will break down all the reasons you need to schedule your smile makeover with our cosmetic dentist.Many people believe they…