TMJ Disorders

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ/TMD) are the most common source of chronic facial pain and jaw dysfunction. It is estimated that more than 10 million people in the United States are affected.

There are two temporomandibular joints that connect the left and right sides of the lower jaw to the temporal bone. The TMJ is often considered one of the most complicated joints in the body and one of the most difficult to treat when problems arise.

TMJ disorders can fall into one or more of the following categories: Myofascial pain (pain in the area of the jaw joint due to increased muscle tension and spasm), Internal derangement (displacement of the disc, jaw dislocation or trauma to the condyles), and Degenerative joint disease (arthritis).

Symptoms can include earaches, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), headaches, back and neck pain, vertigo, muscle spasms and joint tenderness, jaw pain, popping or grating sounds with jaw movement, jaw locking and limited jaw movement.

Treatment may include oral appliances such as night guards or stabilization splints, steroid injections, occlusal adjustments, orthodontic or prosthodontic treatment, and in persistent cases, surgery. Self-care includes eating soft foods, avoiding extreme jaw movement, stress reduction, and applying ice packs or moist heat.