What Is TMJ in Dental?
Dental problems plague millions of people each day. Many of these problems involve the temporomandibular joint or TMJ. It's located in the jaw area and includes both the muscles and joints of the jaw. When this joint is affected, temporomandibular disorders occur. Getting the facts about TMJ in dental is important.
Temporomandibular Joint
The temporomandibular joint connects the lower jaw bone, or mandible, to the temporal bone with a hinge. The joint gently slides from open to close during chewing. Muscle tissue surrounding the joint help make this possible by keeping the joint in place. Unlike the upper jaw bone, the mandible is the only jaw bone that moves. The upper jaw, or maxilla, is fixed in place and completely attached to the skull.
Problems Associated with TMJ
When the joint is out of alignment or the muscles are injured, a number of problems occur. It's possible for patients to confuse TMJ problems with other conditions due to the location of the joint. Sinus infections, headaches and earaches are common TMJ symptoms that mimic other problems.
Signs of TMJ
In order to help diagnose the problem, a dentist will ask about any signs or symptoms experienced by the patient. These are the most common signs noticed by people with TMJ disorders:
- Toothache
- Jaw popping
- Pain or discomfort in the joint, jaw, neck and shoulders
- Difficulty chewing food
- Swelling in the affected side
- Jaw becomes temporarily stuck in open or close position
Treatment Methods
Seeking dental care is essential in preventing further issues. Dental x-rays and examinations are the beginning steps to diagnosing TMJ problems. The treatment methods used include:
- Heat or cold packs
- Changing diet to soft foods
- Pain medication
- Night guards
- Ultrasound
- Trigger-point injections
- Radio wave therapy