TMJ Disorder

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is a common condition that negatively affects the quality of life. Since the jaw joint is very active, the disorders here are seriously reflected in daily life. Another reason is the complexity of the structure of this joint and its enhanced mobility. The more complex the joint, the more susceptible it will be to adverse effects.

There may be many diseases, disorders, or conditions related to the jaw joint. Examples of these include:
– Movement disorders of the jaw,
– Jaw fractures,
– Genetically deficient joint structure,
– Jaw tumors,
– Diseases of the jaw joint.

Jaw Joint Anatomy

The jaw joint contributes to the speech and chewing characteristics of the mouth. The jaw joint is the area where the lower jawbone and temple bone meet. This joint allows the lower jaw bone, which is the only movable bone of the facial bones, to move. The jaw joint has a complex structure. Here, muscles, fibers, cartilage discs, and lower and upper jaw bones work in harmony and balance. Therefore, in case of deterioration of this harmony, the problems of the jaw joint will inevitably begin.

Signs and Symptoms

Jaw joint disorder is characterized by recurrent pain and dysfunction of the jaw joint or masticatory muscles. In this case, reflected pain may be around the eyes, anterior ear region, cheek muscles, under the chin, temples, and teeth. This pain can often be accompanied by noises coming from the jaw joint, impaired chewing, locking the jaw, inability to open the mouth, sliding of the jaw to one side when opening the mouth, and psychological disorders.

The most common complaint of patients with jaw joint disorders is pain in the jaw muscles. This pain, felt in the cheek and jaw area, mostly occurs during teeth clenching. Changes or a sense of restriction in the jaw joint are common. These symptoms may be accompanied by tinnitus, ear pain, headache, and eye pain.

We can summarize the signs and symptoms of TMJ disorder as follows;
– Pain in cheeks and temples,
– Difficulty opening and closing the jaw,
– Sound when opening and closing the jaw,
– Pain and fatigue during chewing,
– Grinding when opening and closing the mouth,
– Limited opening or locking of the jaw,
– Difficulty in opening the jaw or its dislocation,
– Pain, buzzing, and ringing in the ear,
– Facial asymmetry and chin shifting to one side when opening the mouth,
– Severe migraine-like headaches,
– Pain, stiffness, or swelling in the neck area,
– Dizziness and fainting.

TMJ Pain

– Pain when overlapping the teeth,
– Strain and pain while yawning or chewing gum,
– Tenderness in the jaw joint and jaw muscles,
– Visual impairment due to joint pain,
– Severe pain in the ear,
– High fever caused by pain,
– Sudden attacks of pain.

While these symptoms are features of TMJ disorder, they can also be related to other diseases. In such cases, the person should immediately consult a qualified dentist or doctor.

What Causes TMJ Disorder?

Jaw joint pain can have many causes. Although these pains are primarily related to the mouth and teeth, they can also be caused by a wide range of reasons, including a heart attack. However, the most common cause of jaw pain is jaw joint disorders. This is due to the loss of harmony between the jaw joint surface and the disc in the joint.

Jaw joint disorders are quite common. Jaw joint disorders are common in the middle age group (20-40). It is also a more common problem in women than in men.

Clenching and grinding of the teeth, jaw posture disorders, unilateral chewing habits, and jaw-closing disorders are possible causes of jaw joint problems. In addition, this problem may have underlying psychological causes.

Other factors can also impair the healthy functioning of the jaw joint. These include habits such as chewing gum and thumb sucking, straining the jaw while applying anesthesia, and jaw fractures.

Jaw joint disorders are a chronic condition that usually develops over time. However, sometimes it can occur suddenly due to difficult tooth extraction, traffic accidents, blow to the jaw, general anesthesia, and intense stress.

We can summarize the most common causes of jaw joint disorders as follows;
– One-sided chewing habit,
– Clenching and grinding of teeth,
– Tooth deficiencies,
– Trauma to the jaw or joint area,
– Stress, depression, etc.
– Non-physiological closure of teeth,
– Joint problems,
– Osteoclasis,
– Autoimmune diseases, inflammatory joint rheumatism,
– Orthodontic disorders,
– Other unknown factors.

Diagnosis

Anyone experiencing symptoms of jaw joint disorders should first see a dentist. Jaw joint disorders can be diagnosed with a correct examination. The dentist may require imaging tests such as MRI and CT when making a diagnosis. Therefore, controlled tests and scans are important for diagnosing the problem and achieving the best result.

TMJ Treatment

The success rate of treatment of jaw joint disorders depends on the accuracy of the diagnosis, early diagnosis, and treatment process. Since jaw pain can have various causes, treatment approaches may vary accordingly. In jaw joint disorders, the earlier the treatment is started, the shorter the treatment process will be.

Treating Specialists

Jaw joint disorders are an issue that concerns dentists and doctors. It mostly concerns oral and maxillofacial surgeons and physical therapy and rehabilitation specialists. However, if needed, prosthodontists, orthodontists, psychiatrists, psychologists, plastic surgeons, otolaryngologists, and other health professionals may be involved in the treatment process.

Non Surgical Treatments

Joint plaque and muscle relaxants can be applied to patients who have problems such as clenching, grinding their teeth, or contracting the jaw joint. In these cases, the patient is treated with stress therapy, drug treatments, and physical therapy for the jaw muscles. Apart from this, there are permanent treatments such as orthodontic treatment and prosthetic restoration to eliminate the causes of jaw joint disorders. If jaw pain is caused by infection, effective results can be obtained with treatment with antibiotics or antiviral drugs.

Surgical Treatments

Surgical treatments of the jaw joint are also available, such as arthrocentesis, arthroscopy, botox application, and some joint surgeries. For example, if pain occurs in the jaw joint, washing the inside of the joint will reduce the pain. Surgery will be in the foreground if the jaw joint or jawbone is deviated or broken due to trauma or if there is a tumor in that area.

Prevention of TMJ Disorder

For the TMJ disorder not to develop or further progress, the patient should do the following;
– Avoiding one-sided chewing.
– Quitting the chewing gum habit.
– Avoid foods that are hard to eat.
– Solve teeth clenching and grinding problems.
– Avoid excessive stretching.
– Compressing the joint area with a hot towel when you wake up in the morning.
– Trying to live a stress-free life as much as possible.