Everything You Need To Know About Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

The joint that connects your skull to the jawbone is called the Temporomandibular joint. Sometimes, people experience a clicking sound in this joint or feel pain or discomfort every time they move the jaw. The condition that affects the Temporomandibular joint, or surrounding muscles and ligaments is known as Temporomandibular Joint disorder or TMJ Syndrome. 

This condition is currently being researched by experts in order to find the best possible treatments. But what exactly is it and how can it affect you? Read on to find out. 

Understanding Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome

When you move your jaw, pay attention to how you feel. Is the movement comfortable? Or do you feel some restriction in movement or perhaps, even pain? If you visit a dentist or doctor when you experience discomfort, he or she may tell you that you have TMJ syndrome. 

The temporomandibular joint, which is present on either side of your head, is responsible for the movement of your jaw. Whenever you speak, eat, or open your mouth, the muscles around this joint spring into action. However, in some cases, you may feel grinding or discomfort every time you move your jaw. This condition is called TMJ. However, if the restriction in movement is not followed by pain, you may not require any TMJ treatment in particular. In case the pain persists and increases in intensity, make sure you visit your dentist for a diagnosis. 

What are the Causes of TMJ? 

There are no known causes for the TMJ disorder. Normally, it is linked with: 

1. Genetics is associated with increased risk 
2. Erosion of the discs in the joint or movement from its regular alignment 
3. Unconscious Clenching or grinding of the teeth [Bruxism]; Some people clench or grind teeth habitually too.
4. Any trauma or injury to the temporomandibular joint. 

However, it is the inconsistencies in the findings that make it difficult to point to a single cause of TMJ disorders. For example, people may have bruxism for several years but may never develop any pain or discomfort in the joint. Additionally, injury is not always related to restricted movement of the joint. Once the injury is healed, the joint is restored to its normal state. 

Some individuals are at a higher risk of developing TMJ joint issues: 

1. Those who have osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
2. Individuals who are into sports [More prone to injury]
3. Individuals with diseases of the connective tissues 

Symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

There are some common TMJ symptoms that require medical attention: 

1. Difficulty when you are chewing or want to chew. 
2. Ache and pain in the facial muscles. 
3. Tenderness and pain in the jaw. 
4. Ache around the ear or inside the ear. 
5. Persistent pain in either or both TMJ. 
6. Locking of the jaw, making it hard for you to close or open your mouth. 
7. Clicking sound every time you open your mouth. 
8. Grinding feeling when you move your jaw. 

When you notice these symptoms for a prolonged period of time, it is a good idea to consult your dentist. Do not wait for it to become so chronic that you are not able to open or move your jaw at all. 

How is TMJ Disorder Diagnosed? 

This condition is normally diagnosed by a dentist. In mild cases, your dentist may be able to suggest simple treatment options to manage TMJ symptoms. In severe cases, however, you may have to see a TMJ specialist. 

The initial steps to diagnose the condition are: 

1. Listening to and feeling the jaw whenever you open or close your mouth. 
2. Observing the mobility of the jaw. 
3. Applying pressure on the areas surrounding the joint to check for pain or discomfort. 

In case your dentist suspects a TMJ syndrome, he may carry out the following tests: 

1. Dental X-rays for proper examination of the teeth and joints. 
2. CT Scan to get a detailed image of the bones in your joint. 
3. MRI to determine any issues related to the soft tissue or discs around your joint. 

In some cases, TMJ arthroscopy may be necessary. This is when a small tube is inserted in the space of the joint with a camera at one end. Then they get a clear view of the joint to understand the primary causes. 

Treatment Options for TMJ Disorder

There is medication-based, non-surgical and surgical TMJ treatment available, as mentioned below: 

1. Medication: Anti-inflammatory tablets and pain relievers are the initial options to treat TMJ symptoms. If the issue is caused by spasms in the muscles around the area, then muscle relaxants are recommended. For those who experience TMJ issues because of bruxism and sleep disorders, antidepressants may also be prescribed. 
2. Mouthguards and oral splints: These devices are inserted over your teeth and are known to relieve pain. 
3. Physical therapy: Exercises that strengthen and stretch your joints are also known to improve jaw movement and relieve pain. 
4. Other traditional methods: Applying ice or heat may relieve initial and mild symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders. 
5. Arthrocentesis: When traditional methods and medications don’t help, surgical options like arthrocentesis are used. This involves inserting small needles to irrigate the fluids in the joint. This removes any inflammatory products or debris. 
6. Injections: Injecting botox or corticosteroid into the joint are another treatment option. It helps improve the integrity of the muscles that help in jaw movement. 
7. Modified condylotomy: This surgery works on the TMJ indirectly. It is best to treat the locking of the joint. 
8. Open joint surgery: This is usually the last resort when all other methods fail. It is used to treat any structural issues in the joint. Open joint surgery involves the replacement or repair of affected areas. 

Conclusion

In case of surgery being recommended to you for temporomandibular joint issues, understand the potential risks associated with it. The best option is to manage the symptoms in the initial stages. Any abnormality in your jaw should be checked as early as possible by your doctor or dentist. That way, you can use simple, non-invasive methods to relieve these symptoms faster.