Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome (TMJ) is a common condition affecting a wide variety of people. TMJ is characterized by severe headaches, jaw pain of varying degrees, grinding teeth, and an intermittent ringing in the ears. The vast majority of TMJ sufferers are unaware that the root cause of these problems is something that a dentist can effectively treat. The symptoms of TMJ are debilitating and can greatly interfere with everyday life. The comfort and general well being of the patient are at the heart of the dental practice, so pain relief is the first consideration of the dentist. Our dental team are able to test, diagnose, and devise an immediate plan to treat the underlying causes of the TMJ disorder.
About Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ)
TMJ, or the temporomandibular joint, is the joint that connects the mandible, or lower jaw, to the skull. It is located in front of the ears on both sides of the head and enables the jaw to open and close, allowing us to eat and speak.
There are various TMJ disorders. But in many cases, it is not known what causes them. It is believed that trauma to the joint or to the jaw, structural jaw issues present at birth, habitual clenching or grinding of the teeth, arthritis and erosion of the joint, poor sleep, prolonged stress, using orthodontic braces, a poor posture can play a role.
What Causes Jaw Pain?
Several different things can cause TMJ as it can be due to the muscles controlling jaw movement becoming painful, or because of injury to the jaw joint. Excessively stimulating the jaw joint can cause jaw pain, and sometimes the disc that helps to cushion jaw movements becomes displaced or damaged. This disc can also become affected by arthritis.
Your jaw joint or the muscles controlling your jaws can be damaged because of several factors, the most common of which is teeth grinding and clenching, a problem called bruxism. It’s a mainly nocturnal habit where people will clench or grind their teeth during sleep, irritating and inflaming the jaw joint and facial muscles and causing a great deal of damage to teeth, jaws, and gums.
It’s an issue that can be brought on by stress and anxiety. Any form of trauma to the jaw joint, for example, an unexpected blow to the face while playing sports can also damage these joints.
What Are the Symptoms of TMJ?
Symptoms can vary greatly depending on the severity of your TMJ. Most commonly, it causes pain in the head or neck area, and jaw pain can limit jaw movement. The muscles that operate your jaw joints can feel stiff, or the jaw could become locked in place. When you do open and close your mouth, you may notice your jaw joints make a clicking or popping sound. It’s also possible for the jaw to shift position slightly, changing the way your teeth bite or occlude together.
How Is TMJ Diagnosed?
There is no definitive test for TMJ, but dentists at our state-of-the-art clinic can gently examine your jaws and your teeth and can soon tell if you have signs of this disorder. For example, if you have bruxism, it will almost certainly have caused some damage to your teeth.Your TMJ specialist can also gently feel your jaw joints to see if they are swollen or tender.
Imaging tests that can help diagnose TMJ include digital dental x-rays of your jaw, and a cone beam CT scan provides detailed 3-D images of your jaws, making it easier to see any potential damage. An MRI of your jaw can help identify any structural problems with the jaws.
Precision Dental NYC
21-34 30th Ave,
Queens, NY 11102
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