Treating TMJ
What is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) combines a hinge action with sliding motions. The parts of the bones that interact in the joint are covered with cartilage and are separated by a small shock-absorbing disk, which normally keeps the movement smooth. TMJ disorders can also cause a clicking sound or grating sensation when you open your mouth or chew. But if there’s no pain or limitation of movement associated with your jaw clicking, you probably don’t need treatment for a TMJ disorder.
Signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders may include:
- Pain or tenderness of your jaw
- Pain in one or both of the temporomandibular joints
- Aching pain in and around your ear
- Difficulty chewing or pain while chewing
- Aching facial pain
- Locking of the joint, making it difficult to open or close your mouth
Painful TMJ disorders can occur if:
- The disk erodes or moves out of its proper alignment
- The joint’s cartilage is damaged by arthritis
- The joint is damaged by a blow or other impact
The cause of TMJ disorder is difficult to determine. The pain experienced could be caused by a number of factors such as arthritis, genertis or jaw injury.
Factors that increase the risk of developing TMJ disorders include:
- Various types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis
- Jaw injury
- Long-term (chronic) grinding or clenching of teeth
- Certain connective tissue diseases that cause problems which may affect the temporomandibular joint
In most cases, the pain associated with TMJ disorders is temporary and can be relieved with self-managed care or nonsurgical treatments. Surgery is usually a last resort if the pain consists or other conservative measures have failed. However, some people with TMJ disorders may benefit from surgical treatments. Please come see us if you have persistent pain or tenderness in your jaw, or if you can’t open or close your jaw completely.
Source: Mayo Clinic