TMJ Disorder

Your temporomandibular joint is a hinge that connects your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull, which are in front of each ear. It lets you move your jaw up and down and side to side, so you can talk, chew, and yawn.

A painful joint is the most common symptom. It is usually present along with pain in the neck and shoulders. Pain can be associated with or without jaw movements.

• The clicking of joint.
• The change or shifting of the bite.
• Inability to open the jaw wide or jaw may shift to one side while opening.
• Trouble swallowing.
• Nausea, dizziness, headaches, ear pain, ringing in ear and swelling of the face.

Treatment of TMJ Disorder

Orthodontics: The majority of TMJ disorders are a result of severe dental crowding or a bad bite. Correcting the bite usually guides the joint to the most comfortable position. Very rarely do TMJ disorders require surgery.

Splints: Special splints along with a soft diet for a few days work well in a few cases to settle TMJ disorder.

Occlusal adjustments: Occlusal interferences can result in the jaw getting displaced. Correcting the occlusal interferences can prevent the displacement and provides relief.

Surgical treatment: If TMJ disorder is suspected from structural damage and splint/occlusal adjustments did not provide much relief, then a referral to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon may be given for assessment.

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