6 Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ Disorder

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are conditions that affect the jaw joints along with the muscles and ligaments that surround them. Trauma, incorrect bite, arthritis, or wear and tear can all lead to the development of TMJ disorder. This condition often causes jaw pain and headaches.

TMJ disorder is a common condition. If you frequently experience jaw pain, it can be a sign of TMJ disorder. Keep reading to discover more about this condition. 

1. What is TMJ?

TMJ is a temporomandibular joint. This joint is located on both sides of your face and connects your lower jawbone to your skull. The temporomandibular joint is involved in actions that help move your jaw, like eating and speaking.

2. What causes TMJ disorder?

The temporomandibular joint makes hinge actions and sliding movements. The cartilage-covered parts of the bones that interact in the joint are separated by a tiny shock-absorbing disk, which generally makes the movement smooth. TMJ disorder may occur if the disk erodes or the joint's cartilage degenerates. Trauma to the temporomandibular joint from a blow or another impact may also lead to TMJ disorder. 

Jaw clenching, arthritis, and various connective tissue diseases can increase your risk of getting TMJ disorder. If you have one of these conditions, discuss the ways to manage your risk of TMJ disorder with an experienced dentist. 

3. What are the symptoms of TMJ disorder?

TMJ disorder can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms that include:

• Jaw and teeth pain or soreness
• Pain in the temporomandibular joints
• Pain in and around your ear
• Pain when chewing 
• Facial pain
• Ringing in your ears
• Difficulty opening or closing your mouth 
• Clicking and popping sounds when opening or closing your mouth
• Neck pain

If you experience only mild symptoms, TMJ disorder can heal on its own. If you have moderate to severe pain or a limited range of motion, it is important to seek medical help. 

4. How is TMJ diagnosed?

Seek medical treatment if you experience persistent discomfort or soreness in your jaw. You should also schedule an appointment with a doctor if you are unable to fully open or close your jaw. The doctor will listen to your symptoms and conduct a physical examination of your jaw. The doctor can listen to and feel your jaw when you move it, check the range of motion, and press the areas where you experience discomfort. 

The doctor may additionally prescribe tests like dental X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. These procedures are used to provide a detailed image of your teeth, jawbones, and joints. TMJ arthroscopy is sometimes used to view the affected area and help determine if you have TMJ disorder.

5. What are the treatment options for TMJ?

In some cases, the symptoms of TMJ disorder may heal on their own without treatment. If your symptoms persist longer than 1 week, your doctor may recommend several treatment options. For mild TMJ disorder, your doctor may prescribe medications like pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, and tricyclic antidepressants. 

Common TMJ disorder therapies include physical therapy, oral splints, mouth guards, and counseling (help you understand the factors and behaviors that may aggravate your pain). Minimally invasive treatment options also include arthrocentesis and corticosteroid injections.

If you have severe TMJ disorder, the doctor may recommend TMJ arthroscopy, modified condylotomy, or open-joint surgery. TMJ surgery should be considered only if all other treatment options cannot improve the symptoms. While TMJ surgery is the best option for many people, it is important to weigh all pros and cons with your doctor.

6. Are there alternative treatment options for TMJ?

In addition to traditional treatment options, you may try alternative treatments to relieve TMJ disorder symptoms. The most commonly used alternative treatment options for TMJ disorder include acupuncture, relaxation techniques, and biofeedback. 

Lifestyle changes and home remedies may also be helpful. Try to avoid overusing your jaw muscle by eating soft foods and cutting foods into small pieces. Stretching exercises and self-massage may boost blood flow to the affected area and promote healing. Applying a warm or ice compress to the side of your face may also help alleviate pain and improve other symptoms.