What You Need to Know About Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD, TMJ) dentistwestjordanut.com /what-you-need-to-know-about-temporomandibular-joint-disorder-tmdtmj/
You’ve probably seen or heard the terms “TMD” or “TMJ” tossed around, but do you really know what they mean? The following guide should answer most of your questions about this disorder.
Temporomandibular Joint The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge connecting your jaw to your skull. It allows your jaw to move around so you can do things like chew and talk. If you’re having pain or other problems with this joint, the condition is known as a temporomandibular disorder, or TMD. Many people mistakenly refer to a temporomandibular disorder as a TMJ. Your TMJ is actually the joint that is affected by the disorder, so the correct way to refer to a temporomandibular disorder is TMD.
TMD Defined Temporomandibular disorder is characterized by pain, stiffness and limited motion of the jaw joint and surrounding tissues. The term “TMD” can encompass any disorder that involves the joints or muscles of the jaw. In an acute case of TMD, the pain comes on suddenly. If the pain continues and won’t let up, it is considered chronic TMD. To diagnose TMD, you must undergo a comprehensive dental exam, including medical history and xrays to rule out other potential causes. Your dentist will examine the joints in your jaw, listening for any telltale sounds of TMD when you open and close your mouth. If other tests are needed, a MRI can reveal whether or not your TMJ discs are properly aligned when you move your jaw.
Causes of TMD There can be multiple causes of TMD, or no apparent cause at all. Certain hormonal, genetic and environmental factors may increase your risk of developing TMD. Several known causes of this disorder include: Teeth grinding or clenching Injury to the jaw Arthritis Autoimmune diseases Women are diagnosed with TMD more often than men, and it’s most common between the ages of 20 and 40.
Signs and Symptoms of TMD Many patients describe the pain of TMD as a dull ache that comes and goes. There are numerous symptoms of TMD, such as: Pain and stiffness in the jaw Pain around the neck and shoulders Pain in and around the ears when you open your mouth Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) Dizziness or vision problems Limited movement of the jaw or lock-jaw Popping, clicking or grating sounds in the TMJ Headaches TMD pain may last a short time before going away on its own, or it can last for years.
Pain Relief Options and Treatments for TMD To alleviate the pain of your TMD symptoms, there are several things you can do on your own: OTC medications: NSAIDs, like ibuprofen or naproxen, can help relieve pain and swelling. Alternate heat and ice: Apply an ice pack to the affected side of your face for about 10 minutes, then apply a warm towel to your face for five minutes. Massage: Massage the masseter muscle (primary chewing muscle) in your face. This muscle is located on the underside of the cheekbone, about an inch in front of your ear. If the above options do not effectively relieve the pain of TMD, discuss other available treatment options with your dentist. There are several common treatments that work well for many patients, depending on the severity of symptoms. Traditional treatments recommended by your dentist may include: Nightguard: Your dentist may recommend you wear a specially designed mouthpiece that fits over your top and bottom teeth while you sleep. Physical therapy: Treatments may include ultrasound (deep heat applied to the TMJ) or alternating moist heat and ice. These treatments can be used along with exercises that stretch and strengthen the jaw muscles.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS): This type of therapy involves the use of low-level electrical currents to relax the jaw and relieve pain. Dental work: Your dentist may be able to replace missing teeth and use crowns,bridges or braces to balance the biting surfaces of your teeth or to correct a bite problem Surgery: If other treatments don’t help, your dentist may recommend surgery. The type of surgery you need depends on your particular case. Click here to put your TMD knowledge to the test!
Prognosis of TMD For most patients, the outlook of TMD is good. Because there are a variety of potential causes for this disorder, its prognosis really depends on the cause, if it’s known. Most patients can effectively manage the pain using NSAIDs and other at-home treatments (as mentioned above). In chronic cases of TMD, your dentist will recommend the best course of action. Long-term treatment or surgery may be your best option. If you are in the West Jordan, Utah area and have questions or suspect you may be suffering from TMD, call B. Kent Bladen, DDS to talk about these concerns with the dentist. B. Kent Bladen, DDS 1662 West 9000 South West Jordan, UT, 84088 USA westjordandentist@gmail.com • 801-441-2231
Kent Bladen Dentist at B. Kent Bladen, DDS Dr. Kent Bladen is the Owner/Proprietor of B. Kent Bladen, DDS. He and his staff work hard to ensure that their patients feel comfortable and relaxed while providing top notch dental care.