TMJ Syndrome
Chances are you are looking at this page because you or a family
member may have been diagnosed as having TMJ syndrome. You can
relax. Thousands of patients have been diagnosed and treated for
TMJ with excellent results. Others may have the syndrome, but have
no idea that it can be treated.
On this page we address some of the most commonly asked questions
and concerns about TMJ syndrome, as well as conservative methods of
treatment. If you have further questions about diagnosis and
treatment, please feel free to ask us.
What Is TMJ Syndrome?
Sixty million Americans have it. It's more common in the
elderly, and affects men and women equally.
The lower jaw (mandible) is attached to the skull by a joint on
each side of the face, called the temporomandibular joint. We refer
to it as the TMJ. Any number of problems associated with the
chewing muscles, ligaments, bones or the joints can prevent the TMJ
from functioning properly. Hence, the term TMJ syndrome.
What Are The Symptoms Of TMJ Syndrome?
There are many signs and symptoms of TMJ syndrome, not all
necessarily present in all cases. Here are some of the most common:
- Headaches, particularly present upon awakening
- Tenderness of the jaw muscles
- Pain in or around the ear, that often spreads to the face
- Clicking, popping or grating sounds when opening or closing
the mouth
- Pain or difficulty in chewing, yawning or opening wide
- Jaws that "get stuck" or "lock"
- Earache or pain when no infection is present
- Dizziness
How Can I Be Sure I Have TMJ Syndrome?
The best way to diagnose TMJ syndrome is to rule out other
possible causes of pain. Diagnosis includes a thorough oral
examination, medical history and X-rays. Sometimes we also make
casts (models) of your teeth, to obtain a record of your biting and
chewing pattern.
What Causes TMJ Syndrome?
 Disorders
often result when the chewing muscles and the TMJ work incorrectly.
When this occurs, the muscles frequently cramp or go into spasm.
Sometimes the spasms become part of a cycle that results in tissue
damage, pain and muscle tenderness.
Accidents, including injuries to the jaw, neck, or head, or even
diseases such as arthritis may cause TMJ disorders. The two most
common causes of TMJ syndrome , however, are oral habits (grinding
and clenching) and improper bite.
Oral Habits (Grinding and Clenching)
Sometimes patients clench their teeth together subconsciously.
Or they may actually grind (gnash) their teeth, usually at night.
The term for this is bruxism. Clenching and grinding make the
chewing muscles tired. That's what causes them to go into spasm.
And spasms cause pain.
Improper Bite
Sometimes the teeth don't come together properly when you bite.
The general term for this is "malocclusion." An improper bite may
cause stress on your chewing muscles, and the TMJ syndrome prevails.
How Is TMJ Syndrome Treated?
We feel that conservative treatment is best. Because every
patient is different, treatment also varies from patient to patient.
- The first step is to eliminate the muscle spasms and pain.
We recommend moist heat packs applied to the face, muscle
massage and switching to a soft, non-chewy diet. Sometimes mild
muscle relaxant drugs and pain medication are prescribed.
- Correcting the way the teeth fit together is another
technique for treating TMJ syndrome. For example, if your bite
is uneven, we can adjust it by selectively smoothing down the
teeth that are too high. (This usually involves just one
appointment and is painless). A corrective bite plate or splint
will also help.
- Counseling and relaxation therapy also help some patients
with TMJ syndrome. These techniques help the patient to become
aware of stressful situations; they help patients to control
tension throughout various parts of their bodies. Biofeedback
involves the use of an electronic monitoring device to help
reduce muscle tension in the jaws.
- An appliance may need to be fitted in the patients mouth to
allow the joint to rest in a healthy position. Once the
joint no longer hurts, the bite can be corrected using
orthodontics, crowns, or a partial.
- Surgery is the final method of treating TMJ syndrome. It
may be used where muscle spasms have occurred for long periods
of time, or where the joint, itself, may have become injured or
arthritic. Sometimes the bones and soft tissues of the TMJ may
slip out of normal position as a result of an accident or
injury, requiring surgical correction.
A Final Note...
Many patients have been successfully treated for TMJ syndrome,
using the above techniques. The first step is bringing to our
attention any signs or symptoms of TMJ irregularities you may have
noticed. In many cases we can successfully and conservatively treat
the symptoms associated with TMJ disorders. |
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