The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jawbone to the skull and acts like a sliding hinge. There is one joint on each side of the jaw, and TMJ disorders can cause pain in the joint and in the muscles that control jaw movement.
While it is difficult to determine the exact cause of a person’s TMJ disorder, your pain may be the result of a combination of factors, including genetics, arthritis or jaw injury. Those who have pain may clench or grind their teeth, although this does not always lead to a TMJ disorder. You must seek help if you experience persistent pain or tenderness in your jaw or cannot close your jaw completely. A dentist or oral surgeon can discuss the cause and treat you.
The good news? The pain and discomfort associated with TMJ disorder are usually temporary and can sometimes be relieved with non-surgical treatments. If the situation is severe, however, surgery may be required to treat this problem. Talking to your dentist or an oral surgeon in Montreal is the best way to proceed.
In the meantime, this guide will provide important information regarding TMJ disorder. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about TMJ disorder:
1. What is the temporomandibular joint?
The joint connects the lower jaw to the temporal bone on each side of the head. The joints are flexible and allow you to move your jaw smoothly from side to side and up and down without any difficulty. They also enable you to chew, talk, and yawn.
This joint can be felt in front of the ears when you open your mouth, and its movement is controlled by the muscles attached to it. The rounded ends of the lower jaw glide along with the joining socket when you open your mouth, and these round ends return to their original position when the mouth is closed.
2. What is temporomandibular joint disorder?
When the jaw joints and associated muscles are disrupted, temporomandibular disorders occur. These disorders affect the jaw muscles, temporomandibular joints, and the nerves associated with chronic facial pain. Any problem that prevents the muscles, bones, and joints from working together properly may result in a temporomandibular disorder, which can cause myofascial pain, internal derangement of the joint, and degenerative joint disease.
3. Can teeth clenching and grinding cause TMJ disorder?
Yes, teeth clenching and grinding can cause TMJ disorder because they apply pressure to the jaw’s tissues, muscles, and supporting structures, causing pain and joint dysfunction.
4. What does this disorder feel like?
Patients will feel pain in their jaws if TMJ disorder develops, compromising the movement of the jaw joint and the muscles surrounding it. Oral surgeons classify TMJ disorder in the following categories:
- Internal derangement of the joint. This means the disc is displaced, and the jaw is dislocated.
- Myofascial pain. This means the patient feels pain and discomfort in the muscles that control the function of their jaw.
- Degenerative joint disease. This occurs whenever the jaw joint is affected by rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
An oral surgeon will assess your situation and will tell you which category you are in, along with the treatment that would be best for you.
5. What are the causes of TMJ disorder?
There are many causes, including grinding and clenching your teeth and experiencing direct trauma to the face, which can cause the jaw to break along the condyles. An improper bite, dealing with stress, and disc dislocation can also cause painful TMJ disorders.
6. What are the symptoms of a TMJ disorder?
Symptoms will vary from one person to the next, but if you experience any of the following, you may be suffering from TMJ disorder:
- pain or tenderness in your jaw
- aching pain around your ear
- limitation of jaw movement when you open your mouth
- clicking sound in your jaw
- facial pain
- locked joints and problems opening and closing your mouth
Contact your dentist right away if you experience any of these symptoms. Depending on the cause and severity of the symptoms, they will refer you to an oral surgeon.
7. How is this condition diagnosed?
A dentist will conduct a comprehensive review of your medical history and perform physical exams if necessary. If the dentist feels medical imaging is necessary, it may be part of the process.
8. How is this condition treated?
Oral surgeons may recommend a variety of treatment options and may start with medications and therapies before they turn to surgery. To relieve you, they may start with muscle relaxants, which can help relieve the pain caused by muscle spasms. Physical therapy may also be recommended to exercise, strengthen and stretch the jaw muscles.
9. Is surgery required for TMJ disorder?
Surgery will be required if other treatment methods are not helping. If your pain does not go away, an oral surgeon may recommend open-joint surgery to replace the joint. However, surgery will only be recommended if your jaw pain is so severe that you cannot live your life normally, as this may be an indication of severe and specific structural problems in your jaw joint.
10. Will my TMJ disorder last forever?
While some people who suffer from TMJ disorder and pain may experience life-long symptoms, most patients will find relief if they follow a dentist’s treatment plan.
Do you want to learn more about TMJ disorder? Rely on Maxillo 3 Lacs for more information! Our oral surgeons here in Montreal will take the time to answer all of your questions. We ensure our patients are well-informed as our experts discuss treatment options in great detail.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you are seeking relief from TMJ pain in Montreal.