| |
 |
| |
|
| |
The Tempomandibular joint (TMJ) is a small joint located in the front of the ear where the skull and the lower jaw meet. It allows the lower jaw to move and function. If a disorder exists with this joint, it can make talking, eating and yawning painful. TMJ disorders can be relatively minor or extremely incapacitating.
|
| |
 |
 Pain in the TMJ |
| Tender or painful jaw muscles |
| Clicking, popping or grating sounds in the joint |
| Difficulty or pain upon opening and/or closing of the mouth |
| Frequent headaches or neckaches |
| Ringing or buzzing sounds in the ears |
| Dizziness or lightheadedness |
| Decreased jaw opening |
| |
 |
| Stress on the surrounding muscles |
| Teeth clenching or grinding |
| Stress, poor posture or body alignment can cause the muscles surrounding the joint to tighten |
| Abnormal jaw growth |
| Missing teeth |
| Diseases such as arthritis |
| Injury to the TMJ |
| |
 |
| When symptoms of TMJ disorder appear, a specialist in the areas of mouth, teeth and jaws, the Oral and Maxillo facial Surgeon is in a good position to help with diagnosis and management of the underlying problem. Special imaging studies of the joints may be ordered (eg x-rays, CT scan, MRI scan) and appropriate referral to other dental or medical specialists or a physiotherapist may be indicated . |
| |
 |
| Once TMJ disorders are correctly diagnosed, appropriate treatment can be provided. Treatment can range from conservative measures such as: |
| Physiotherapy |
| Stress management counselling |
| Muscle relaxant and anti-inflammatory medication |
| Splint therapy |
| to surgical interventions such as : |
| Arthroscopy (the method used to inspect and treat larger joints such as the knee) |
| Arthrocentesis (washing out of the joint) |
| Arthrotomy (open joint surgery) |
| |
In most cases, the Oral and Maxillo facial Surgeon will recommend a conservative non-surgical approach to treatment. Surgery is only indicated if conservative non-surgical treatment is unsuccessful or if there is clear joint damage. |
|
