What are temporomandibular disorders. How are TMDs diagnosed. What treatments are available for jaw pain and dysfunction. Can TMD symptoms resolve on their own. When should you see a doctor for jaw issues.

Understanding Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs)

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) encompass a group of over 30 conditions affecting the jaw joint and associated muscles. These disorders can cause pain and impair the normal functioning of the jaw. The term “TMD” refers to the disorders themselves, while “TMJ” specifically denotes the temporomandibular joint.

There are two temporomandibular joints in the human body, one on each side of the jaw. You can easily locate them by placing your fingers in front of your ears and opening your mouth. TMDs are classified into three main categories:

• Disorders of the joints, including disc disorders
• Disorders of the masticatory muscles (used for chewing)
• Headaches associated with TMD

Within each of these categories, several specific disorders can occur. It’s important to note that an individual may experience one or more of these conditions simultaneously.

Prevalence and Demographics of TMDs

Recent studies have shed light on the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders in the United States. Approximately 11-12 million adults in the country experience pain in the temporomandibular joint region. Interestingly, TMDs show a significant gender disparity, with women being twice as likely to be affected as men. This gender difference is particularly pronounced among women aged 35 to 44.

Are TMDs a common medical condition? While not as prevalent as some other health issues, TMDs affect a substantial portion of the population. The fact that they disproportionately impact women in their middle adult years raises questions about potential hormonal or physiological factors that may contribute to their development.

Exploring the Causes of Temporomandibular Disorders

The exact causes of TMDs often remain elusive, with many cases seemingly arising without an obvious trigger. However, researchers have identified several factors that may contribute to the development of these disorders:

• Injury to the jaw or temporomandibular joint
• Genetic predisposition
• Psychological and life stressors
• Individual pain perception

The higher prevalence of TMDs in women has led researchers to investigate whether structural and mechanical differences in the temporomandibular joint between males and females play a role in susceptibility.

Is there a link between dental work and TMDs? Contrary to popular belief, research does not support the notion that orthodontic braces or a misaligned bite (malocclusion) cause temporomandibular disorders. This misconception has been debunked by scientific studies, highlighting the importance of evidence-based information in understanding these conditions.

Recognizing the Symptoms of TMDs

Identifying the symptoms of temporomandibular disorders is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. While some jaw joint sounds, such as clicking or popping without pain, are common and considered normal, certain symptoms may indicate the presence of a TMD:

• Pain in the chewing muscles and/or jaw joint (the most common symptom)
• Pain that radiates to the face or neck
• Jaw stiffness
• Limited jaw movement or locking
• Painful clicking, popping, or grating in the jaw joint during mouth movements
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears), hearing loss, or dizziness
• Changes in bite alignment

How can you differentiate between normal jaw sounds and problematic symptoms? The key lies in the presence of pain or discomfort. Painless clicking or popping is generally not a cause for concern, but when these sounds are accompanied by pain or other symptoms, it may indicate a temporomandibular disorder.

Diagnosing Temporomandibular Disorders: Challenges and Approaches

Diagnosing TMDs can be challenging due to the lack of a standardized, universally accepted diagnostic test. The complexity of these disorders, combined with the variability in their causes and symptoms, often makes identification difficult. However, healthcare professionals employ several methods to diagnose TMDs:

1. Detailed medical history
2. Symptom assessment
3. Physical examination of the head, neck, face, and jaw
4. Imaging studies (in some cases)

During the diagnostic process, your doctor or dentist will inquire about your pain, including its location, timing, and factors that exacerbate or alleviate it. They will also assess whether the pain is localized or spreads to other areas of your body. Additionally, they may ask about other pain conditions you might have, such as headaches or back pain.

The physical examination typically involves checking for tenderness, jaw clicking or popping, and movement difficulties. In some cases, imaging studies such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT) scans may be recommended to get a clearer picture of the jaw structure and identify any abnormalities.

Why is differential diagnosis important in TMDs? Pain in the mouth, jaw, or face can have various causes, not all of which are related to temporomandibular disorders. Your healthcare provider may need to rule out other conditions before confirming a TMD diagnosis, ensuring that you receive the most appropriate treatment for your specific situation.

Treatment Options for Temporomandibular Disorders

When it comes to treating TMDs, it’s essential to understand a few key points:

• Many TMD symptoms resolve on their own without intervention
• Painless sounds in the temporomandibular joints are normal and don’t require treatment
• Due to limited evidence for most TMD treatments, experts advise against therapies that cause permanent changes to the jaw joints, teeth, or bite, as well as surgical interventions

For many individuals with TMDs, conservative, non-surgical treatments are often sufficient. When you first experience discomfort in your jaw joints or muscles, your healthcare provider may recommend the following approaches:

Nonsurgical Treatments for TMDs

• Eating soft foods
• Applying ice or moist heat to the affected area
• Avoiding extreme jaw movements (such as wide yawning, loud singing, and gum chewing)
• Learning relaxation techniques to help control muscle tension in the jaw
• Practicing gentle jaw stretching and relaxing exercises

In some cases, your doctor or dentist may suggest additional treatments, including:

• Posture training
• Orthodontic treatment (such as bite adjustment)
• Night guards or bite plates to reduce clenching or grinding of teeth
• Medications (such as muscle relaxants, analgesics, anti-inflammatories, or anti-anxiety drugs)

How effective are these conservative treatments for TMDs? Many patients find relief through these non-invasive approaches, particularly when combined with self-care practices and lifestyle modifications. However, the effectiveness can vary depending on the individual and the specific type of TMD.

Self-Care Strategies for Managing TMD Symptoms

In addition to professional treatments, there are several self-care strategies that individuals with TMDs can employ to manage their symptoms and promote jaw health:

• Practice good posture to reduce strain on the jaw and facial muscles
• Be mindful of clenching or grinding your teeth, especially during stressful situations
• Avoid chewing gum or biting on hard objects (like pens or fingernails)
• Use relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation to reduce overall muscle tension
• Apply warm compresses to the jaw area to promote blood flow and relax muscles
• Perform gentle jaw exercises as recommended by your healthcare provider
• Maintain a balanced diet with soft foods during flare-ups

Can lifestyle changes significantly impact TMD symptoms? Many individuals find that incorporating these self-care strategies into their daily routine can lead to substantial improvement in their TMD symptoms. However, it’s important to remember that what works for one person may not work for another, and patience is often key in finding the right combination of treatments and self-care practices.

When to Seek Professional Help for TMD Symptoms

While many cases of TMD resolve on their own or with conservative treatments, there are instances where professional medical attention is necessary. Consider seeking help from a healthcare provider if:

• Your jaw pain is severe or persistent
• You have difficulty opening or closing your mouth
• Your jaw locks in an open or closed position
• Your symptoms significantly interfere with daily activities or quality of life
• You experience sudden changes in your bite or the way your teeth fit together
• You develop new or worsening symptoms despite self-care measures

What should you expect during a professional consultation for TMD? Your healthcare provider will likely perform a thorough examination of your jaw, ask about your medical history and symptoms, and may recommend imaging studies if necessary. Based on their findings, they can develop a tailored treatment plan to address your specific needs.

Remember, early intervention can often prevent the progression of TMDs and lead to more effective management of symptoms. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional if you have concerns about your jaw health or persistent TMD symptoms.

Recent Advancements in TMD Research and Treatment

The field of temporomandibular disorder research is continually evolving, with scientists and clinicians working to better understand these complex conditions and develop more effective treatments. Some recent areas of focus include:

• Genetic studies to identify potential risk factors for TMDs
• Investigation of the role of hormones in TMD development and progression
• Exploration of novel pain management techniques, including targeted therapies
• Development of more accurate diagnostic tools and imaging techniques
• Research into the relationship between TMDs and other chronic pain conditions

How might these advancements impact future TMD treatments? As our understanding of temporomandibular disorders grows, we may see more personalized treatment approaches based on individual genetic profiles, hormonal status, and specific TMD subtypes. This could lead to more effective and tailored interventions for those suffering from these conditions.

While significant progress has been made in TMD research, there is still much to learn about these disorders. Ongoing studies continue to shed light on the complex interplay of factors that contribute to TMDs, paving the way for improved diagnostic and treatment strategies in the future.

TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders) | National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research

On this page

1. Overview
2. Causes
3. Symptoms
4. Diagnosis
5. Treatment
6. Helpful Tips
7. Additional Resources

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Overview

Healthy temporomandibular joint during mouth opening & closing.

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are a group of more than 30 conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement. “TMDs” refers to the disorders, and “TMJ” refers only to the temporomandibular joint itself. People have two TMJs; one on each side of the jaw. You can feel them by placing your fingers in front of your ears and opening your mouth.

There are three main classes of TMDs:

1. Disorders of the joints, including disc disorders.
2. Disorders of the muscles used for chewing (masticatory muscles).
3. Headaches associated with a TMD.

There are several disorders within each class. See diagram below for some examples.

Classification of Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs) with Examples

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*A person may have one or more of these conditions at the same time.

Many TMDs last only a short time and go away on their own. However, in some cases they can become chronic, or long lasting. In addition, TMDs can occur alone or at the same time as other medical conditions such as headaches, back pain, sleep problems, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome.

A recent study found that about 11-12 million adults in the United States had pain in the region of the temporomandibular joint.

Temporomandibular disorders are twice as common in women than in men, especially in women between 35 and 44 years old.

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Causes

Injury to the jaw or temporomandibular joint can lead to some TMDs, but in most cases, the exact cause is not clear. For many people, symptoms seem to start without obvious reason. Recent research suggests a combination of genes, psychological and life stressors, and how someone perceives pain, may play a part in why a TMD starts and whether it will be long lasting.

Because TMDs are more common in women than in men, researchers are exploring whether the differences in TMJ structure and mechanics between females and males may play a role.

Research does not support the belief that a bad bite or orthodontic braces cause TMDs.

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Symptoms

It is important to know that sounds (such as clicking or popping) without pain in the TMJs are common, are considered normal, and don’t need treatment.

However, the following symptoms may signal a TMD:

• Pain in the chewing muscles and/or jaw joint (most common symptom).
• Pain that spreads to the face or neck.
• Jaw stiffness.
• Limited movement or locking of the jaw.
• Painful clicking, popping, or grating in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth.
• Ringing in the ears, hearing loss, or dizziness.
• A change in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together.

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Diagnosis

There is no widely accepted, standard test available to diagnose TMDs. Because the exact causes and symptoms are not clear, identifying these disorders can be difficult.

Your doctor or dentist will note your symptoms and take a detailed medical history. He or she will ask questions about your pain, including its location, when it occurs, what makes it better or worse, and if it stays in one area or spreads to other parts of your body. The doctor or dentist will also ask if you have other pain conditions such as headache or back pain.

He or she also will examine your head, neck, face, and jaw for tenderness; jaw clicking or popping; or difficulty with movement. The doctor or dentist might also suggest imaging studies such as an x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT).

Pain in the mouth, jaw, or face may or may not be related to TMDs. Your doctor or dentist may have to rule out other conditions before diagnosing a TMD.

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Treatment

Before receiving treatment for TMDs, you should know:

• Sounds without pain in the temporomandibular joints are normal, happen frequently, and do not need treatment.
• Signs and symptoms of TMD go away in many people without treatment.
• Because evidence is lacking for the majority of TMD treatments, experts strongly recommend staying away from treatments that cause permanent changes to the jaw joints, teeth, or bite; or that involve surgery.

Nonsurgical Treatments

Because many jaw joint and muscle problems are temporary and do not get worse, simple treatment may be all that is necessary.

When you first feel discomfort in your jaw joints or muscles, your doctor or dentist may have you:

• Eat soft foods.
• Apply heat or cold to the face in combination with exercises to gently stretch and strengthen the jaw muscles.
• Take over-the-counter medications, for example nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen.
• Reduce habits such as jaw clenching, gum chewing, or nail biting.

If these steps do not help, or if in the process of trying them your doctor/dentist diagnoses a specific type of TMD, one or more of the following treatments may be recommended.

Physical Therapy

The goal of physical therapy is to maintain, improve, or bring back movement and physical function. There are several types of physical therapy. One type is manual therapy, in which a therapist uses his/her hands to stretch the soft tissues and muscles around the joint. Manual therapy has been shown to help improve function and relieve pain.

Self-management and Behavioral Health Approaches

Self-management refers to activities you can do yourself and include:

• Learn all you can about your specific type(s) of TMD.
• Learn meditation & relaxation techniques.
• Set specific goals related to managing your condition.
• Stay involved in activities that are meaningful to you.

Certain behavioral health approaches, usually offered by a psychologist, have been shown to help manage TMDs. These include cognitive behavioral therapy and biofeedback.

Cognitive behavioral therapy seeks to identify negative thoughts or thought patterns and change them, as well as provide coping skills.

Biofeedback involves using sensors that monitor breathing, heart rate, muscle contraction, and temperature. For example, a sensor on your jaw can detect when you tighten your jaw muscles. With the help of a therapist, you can learn to notice the unwanted behavior and relax.

Medications

Your doctor or dentist may recommend medication(s) to treat your symptoms.

These include:

• Over-the-counter medications such as:
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), used to treat pain.
• Prescription medications such as:
  • Antianxiety medications.
  • Antidepressants.
  • Antiseizure medications.
  • Opioids.

Some of these medications can lead to addiction or have other serious side effects. If you are prescribed any of these medications, make sure your doctor or dentist explains how to take them and for how long.

Intraoral Appliances

Intraoral appliances are devices that fit over the teeth. They do not change the teeth or bite. They are also known as nightguards, splints, stabilization appliances, occlusal splints, interocclusal splints, or bruxism splints.

There is not a lot of evidence they improve TMD pain. If a dentist or doctor suggests you use one:

• Make sure it is not designed to permanently change your bite.
• Stop using it and consult your dentist/doctor if it causes pain.

Complementary Treatments

A complementary treatment is a non-mainstream practice used together with conventional medicine. Acupuncture and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) are two complementary treatments that have been studied for TMDs.

Acupuncture is a technique in which practitioners stimulate specific points on the body—most often by inserting thin needles through the skin. There is limited evidence that it helps TMDs.

TENS is a battery-powered device that uses electrodes placed on the skin. The device creates electrical impulses that may change how pain is perceived. Although some studies have shown that TENS may help relieve pain in TMDs and improve the ability to open the mouth, the studies were small with short-duration TENS treatments.

Surgery and Other Medical & Dental Procedures

The treatments discussed in this section are more complex, involve going into the chewing muscles or the temporomandibular joints (with a needle or other instrument), or changing your bite and teeth. More importantly, some of them – like occlusal treatments (see below)— don’t work and may make the problem worse. Before having any of these procedures:

• Ask about simpler treatments and try those first.
• Ask the doctor or dentist to explain the procedure—in detail—in a way you can understand.
• Ask how the procedure will help improve your specific TMD.
• Ask about the risks.
• Get second opinions from qualified medical or dental specialists.

Occlusal Treatments

Occlusion refers to how teeth fit together. For years it was thought that misaligned teeth (malocclusion) were a cause of TMDs; however, there is no evidence to support this belief. Occlusal treatments modify the teeth and bite. Examples include:

• Placing crowns on the teeth.
• Grinding down the teeth.
• Using orthodontic treatment(s) to change the position of some or all teeth.

There is no evidence these occlusal treatments work, and they could make the problem worse.

Botulinum Toxin

Botulinum toxin Type A works by relaxing muscles. It is FDA-approved for some medical conditions (like migraines) but not for TMDs. Studies have looked at injecting botulinum toxin Type A into the chewing muscles to reduce muscle spasm and pain. However, the information from these studies is limited and it is not clear whether this medication works to relieve TMD symptoms.

Prolotherapy

Prolotherapy involves injecting a solution into the TMJ area that causes irritation, with the goal of triggering the body to respond by repairing the joint. Prolotherapy has shown promise specifically for TMDs in which the joint is out of its normal position (dislocation) or when the joint goes beyond its normal range of movement (hypermobility). However, there have been only a few small studies on this treatment for TMDs.

Arthrocentesis

In this procedure a needle is used to push liquid into the TMJ. The pressure caused by the liquid removes scar-like tissue (adhesions). In addition, when the liquid is flushed out of the joint, it removes substances that cause inflammation. Arthrocentesis has been shown to help with pain relief and improve mouth opening in people whose temporomandibular disc is out of place; however, these effects do not last long.

Arthroscopy

During arthroscopy the doctor inserts an instrument with a tiny video camera into the jaw joint. The doctor can see the joint, which can help in diagnosis. He or she can also remove adhesions or reposition the joint’s disc. This procedure works moderately well in helping improve pain and function.

Surgery

Open surgery gives access to the temporomandibular joint through a cut (incision) next to the ear. It’s important to know that surgery makes permanent changes to your joint. There are no long-term research studies on the safety of open surgery for TMDs or on how well it works to relieve symptoms.

Surgery should only be considered if:

• There is destruction of the joint that cannot be fixed with other procedures.
• There are severe symptoms (pain and/or difficulty opening the mouth), despite trying other treatments.

If your healthcare provider suggests surgery, be sure to ask:

• Why are you suggesting surgery?
• Are there other options besides surgery?
• How will it help me?
• What are the risks?

TMJ Implants

Implants are artificial devices that are used to replace part of the jaw joint or the entire joint. There are currently three TMJ implants approved by the FDA.

Implants might be considered when:

• There is an injury to the joint.
• There is a condition you’re born with (congenital condition) that needs to be repaired.
• The joint is frozen (ankylosis), commonly caused by injury or infection.
• There’s severe damage to the joint.
• There’s ongoing pain.
• All simpler treatments have been tried and have failed.

Some studies suggest that, when used in very specific cases, TMJ implants can improve function and quality of life. As with any surgery, proceed with caution.

Implants used many years ago (and since taken off the market), did not help patients and left them with severe complications, including permanent damage to the jaw joint(s). Because of this, researchers have called for long-term studies to look at the safety and efficacy of the newer TMJ implants.

Remember: Before any surgery, including implant surgery, it is extremely important to get opinions from more than one doctor and to completely understand the risks. If possible, seek an opinion from a surgeon who specializes in treating TMDs.

Summary of Treatments for Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs)

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Helpful Tips

If you think you have a TMD or are diagnosed with one:

• Start with simple treatments first; remember that TMD symptoms often go away on their own, without treatment.
• Consult a dentist or doctor.
• Learn all you can about the TMD you have.
• Avoid (when possible) treatments that involve going into or permanently changing the jaw joints, especially surgery or TMJ implants.
• Understand all the risks when considering surgery or other medical or dental procedures that result in permanent change and seek an opinion from an orofacial pain clinic at a medical or dental school, if possible.

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Additional Resources

• MedlinePlus: Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction
  The NIH National Library of Medicine’s collection of links to government, professional, and non-profit/voluntary organizations with information on temporomandibular disorders.
• The TMJ Association
  The TMJ Association is a non-profit, patient advocacy organization whose mission is to improve the quality of health care and the lives of everyone affected by temporomandibular disorders.
• American Chronic Pain Association
  The ACPA offers peer support and education in pain management skills to people with pain, their family and friends, and health care professionals.

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Cherubism: MedlinePlus Genetics

Description

Cherubism is a disorder characterized by abnormal bone tissue in the jaw. Beginning in early childhood, both the lower jaw (the mandible) and the upper jaw (the maxilla) become enlarged as bone is replaced with painless, cyst-like growths. These growths give the cheeks a swollen, rounded appearance and often interfere with normal tooth development. In some people the condition is so mild that it may not be noticeable, while other cases are severe enough to cause problems with vision, breathing, speech, and swallowing. Enlargement of the jaw usually continues throughout childhood and stabilizes during puberty. The abnormal growths are gradually replaced with normal bone in early adulthood. As a result, many affected adults have a normal facial appearance.

Most people with cherubism have few, if any, signs and symptoms affecting other parts of the body. Rarely, however, this condition occurs as part of another genetic disorder. For example, abnormal jaw growth, like that in cherubism, can occur in Ramon syndrome, which also involves short stature, intellectual disability, and overgrowth of the gums (gingival fibrosis). Additionally, cherubism-like growths have been reported in rare cases of Noonan syndrome (a developmental disorder characterized by unusual facial characteristics, short stature, and heart defects), fragile X syndrome (a condition primarily affecting males that causes learning disabilities and cognitive impairment), and neurofibromatosis type 1 (a condition primarily characterized by multiple skin tumors).

Frequency

The incidence of cherubism is unknown. Nearly 350 cases have been reported worldwide.

Causes

Mutations in the Sh4BP2 gene have been identified in about 80 percent of people with cherubism. In most of the remaining cases, the genetic cause of the condition is unknown.

The Sh4BP2 gene provides instructions for making a protein that plays a role in relaying chemical signals within cells. the Sh4BP2 protein is particularly important for the function of cells involved in the replacement of old bone tissue with new bone (bone remodeling) and certain immune system cells.

Mutations in the Sh4BP2 gene lead to production of an abnormal protein that does not get broken down when it is no longer needed. Too much Sh4BP2 protein likely increases signaling in certain cells, causing an immune reaction (inflammation) in the jaw bones and also triggering the production of osteoclasts, which are cells that break down bone tissue during bone remodeling. An excess of these bone-destroying cells contributes to the destruction of bone in the upper and lower jaws. A combination of bone loss and inflammation likely underlies the cyst-like growths characteristic of cherubism.

When cyst-like growths in the jaw, like those in cherubism, occur as a feature of a genetic syndrome, they are caused by the genetic alteration involved in the syndrome rather than by an Sh4BP2 alteration.

Inheritance

This condition is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, which means one copy of the altered gene in each cell is sufficient to cause the disorder.

Other Names for This Condition

• Familial benign giant-cell tumor of the jaw
• Familial fibrous dysplasia of jaw
• Familial multilocular cystic disease of the jaws

Additional Information & Resources

Genetic Testing Information

• Genetic Testing Registry: Fibrous dysplasia of jaw

Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center

• Cherubism

Patient Support and Advocacy Resources

• Disease InfoSearch
• National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)

Research Studies from ClinicalTrials.gov

• ClinicalTrials.gov

Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM

• CHERUBISM

Scientific Articles on PubMed

• PubMed

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Treatment of TMJ dysfunction – diagnostics, methods and prices in Moscow

TMJ dysfunction – disruption of the temporomandibular joint, partial or complete loss of its functions. Accompanied by pain, restriction of movement of the jaws when opening the mouth, chewing, talking. It is difficult to treat due to the variety of symptoms and causes. In our Center, this complex problem is successfully solved by candidates of medical sciences , doctors with specialized training in gnatology and practical experience of 11 years.

TMJ dysfunction syndrome – what is it?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the movable lower jaw and the fixed temporal bone of the upper jaw. There are two such joints – located on both sides of the skull in front of the ears. Each consists of a temporal fossa above and an articular head (mandible) below. Between them is the articular disc, which softens the friction of the articular surfaces during the movement of the lower jaw.

The main assistants of the joints are chewing muscles, which help to move the lower jaw relative to the upper one, as well as to keep it in the correct anatomical position, while easing the load on the joint.

Joints are quite mobile, work synchronously, provide:

• jaw movements, typical for conversation;
• movement of the jaw during chewing;
• maximum mouth opening, e.g. when yawning.

Normally, all elements of the system provide an easy, smooth, silent movement. But if there are changes in the articular surfaces and (or) the muscles that are attached to the joints, the whole system fails. There is a violation of the mobility of the joint or its dysfunction (one or two at once).

Causes of dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint

The main causes of TMJ dysfunction can be divided into several categories:

Dental

Lead to dysfunction of the joint due to physiologically incorrect closure of the jaws (occlusion) and their interaction in general:

• Injuries of the lower jaw
• Malocclusion
• Inadequate prosthetics
• Partial or total absence of teeth

Myogenic

Lead to increased stress on the joint and development of TMJ dysfunction in the jaw muscles (muscle dysfunction):

• Prolonged mechanical tension of facial muscles
• Hypertonicity of masticatory muscles due to bruxism
• Excessive muscle tension due to entrapment of the facial nerve

Diseases of the joint

Progressive pathologies affect the TMJ and impair its functions:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Inflammatory processes of the articular surface of infectious etiology

Anatomical factors

Increase the likelihood of TMJ dysfunction:

• Congenital anomalies of the structure of the lower jaw, pathologically low alveolar processes
• Anatomical discrepancy between the temporal fossa and the articular head, incorrect position of the disc at their articulation

Characteristic symptoms and signs

TMJ destruction is characterized by:

Pain tends to increase during speech, eating or yawning, when the range of motion of the lower jaw increases.

Symptoms characteristic of the manifestation of the destructive process in the joint may be pronounced or blurred. This is typical for a protracted chronic process. There are also likely periods of remission, followed by exacerbations – the symptoms can appear sharply against the background of emotional experiences.

The general condition also deteriorates, :

Less typical symptoms should also be treated with caution :

Treatment of TMJ dysfunction must be immediate !

Due to the variety of symptoms and lack of understanding which doctor to contact, a person comes to a competent specialist with an advanced chronic form that accompanies him for many years and reduces the quality of life with debilitating manifestations. And without timely therapeutic measures, the onset of complete or partial ankylosis (immobilization of the jaw), which is difficult to treat, is possible.

Levin Dmitry Valerievich

Chief Physician and Founder of the Doctor Levin Medical Center

Who treats TMJ pain dysfunction and how?

The complexity of the situation is the lack of competent specialists in this field. Disappointed patients often turn to our Center after a long walk through various clinics from one doctor to another, who already have a huge number of pictures and tests on their hands, but have not received the long-awaited relief.

Few people know that degenerative processes in the joint of the lower jaw are treated by a gnathologist. Orthopedic dentists or orthodontists who have undergone special gnathological training can also be treated.

For help! Gnathology is a branch of medicine that studies the relationship of all elements of the dental system (jaw bones, ligaments, muscles, joints) and the treatment of pathologies that violate this physiologically correct interaction.

After diagnosing, the doctor will determine the causes of failures, suggest the most optimal ways to ensure a balanced operation of the entire system. Having outlined the methods of correction, he will also control the course of treatment.

Also, to ensure maximum effectiveness of therapeutic measures, consultation or direct participation of doctors may be required:

• Traumatologist – in case of displacement of the temporomandibular joint due to injury
• Neurologist – in case of infringement of the facial nerve or involvement in the process of nerve endings of nearby tissues and organs.
• Psychologist – if the destruction in the joint was formed due to prolonged tension of the muscles of the face due to psychological trauma or stress.

Diagnosis of the joint of the lower jaw

Diagnostics of the pathology of the joint, volumetric and multi-stage. Includes a set of examinations:

Primary history taking and examination

• Finding out the characteristics of the patient’s life – the specifics of work, the presence of chronic diseases, psycho-emotional background
• Questioning the patient about the probable cause of pathological changes in the jaw – trauma, inflammatory processes in the oral cavity, past dental history, the presence of neurological pathologies
• Visual inspection of the external surface of the projection of the joint and oral cavity, if possible
• Palpation examination of the joints, which helps to detect muscle tension, swelling and displacement
• Listening to sounds when opening the mouth, which may be clicks or pops
• Determining the amplitude of jaw mobility, identifying the range of possible movements
• External bite test
• The doctor also draws up a photo protocol – takes a photo of the face and intraoral photographs.

The gnatologist also performs a general posture assessment, as TMJ disorders are directly related to skeletal changes in general.

Functional and computer diagnostics

Impressions are taken, diagnostic models are made to analyze the relationship between the upper and lower dentitions when they are closed, to establish contacts of teeth on opposite rows.

The most informative diagnostic methods for suspected TMJ dysfunction are:

• 3D computed tomography (CT) . Allows you to explore the bone structures of the joint and jaws.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) . It is carried out to study the soft elements of the joint (cartilage, capsule, bone marrow).

The results of a comprehensive study help to determine the severity of the pathology, draw up a plan and sequence of treatment, and the need to involve narrow specialists.

Treatment of diseases of the temporomandibular joint

Methods of therapeutic measures are selected depending on the degree of the pathological process and the causes of its occurrence. But the basic principle and sequence of treatment of TMJ dysfunction is as follows:

Elimination of soreness and removal of muscle hypertonicity

Comprehensive treatment using the above methods and means, in most cases, gives a positive effect and long-term remission.

Recommended for the duration of treatment:

1. Complete exclusion of solid food, which will make it possible to maintain conditional rest for the joint
2. Maximum restriction of mobility – you can not yawn widely, open your mouth
3. Alternating warm and cold compresses
4. Performing myogymnastics, a set of exercises is selected by a doctor

Occlusion correction

Necessary for jaw occlusion disorders that have affected TMJ dysfunction. Correction is performed using braces or aligners, which are installed only after the condition improves, the pain syndrome is eliminated and muscle tone is reduced.

After a course of orthodontic treatment, the jaws take a physiologically correct position, their exact closing and contact of the teeth of the opposite row is achieved.

Restoration of missing teeth

In the absence of teeth, their restoration is mandatory. These can be bridges or implants. The second option is preferable because it solves the problem once and for all. The implant completely replaces the lost tooth – both the root and the crown part. This provides a uniform load on the jawbone, prevents its atrophy. In addition, unlike bridge prosthetics, it is not necessary to grind adjacent teeth to fix the structure.

Frequently Asked Questions from Patients

How can I distinguish symptoms of TMJ dysfunction from other diseases?

Symptoms of pathological processes in the joint are similar to manifestations of other processes:

• myocardial infarction is characterized by pain radiating to the neck, lower jaw and shoulders;
• otitis – accompanied by severe pain in the ears, hearing loss;
• violation of cerebral circulation – proceeds with the presence of dizziness, flickering flies and nausea;
• cervical and thoracic osteochondrosis – similar in localization of pain;
• infringement of the facial nerve – also due to unilateral facial muscle tension and swelling;
• complicated diseases of the gums and teeth – accompanied by inflammation and immobility of the lower jaw.

Therefore, in order to avoid making an incorrect diagnosis, our doctor carefully studies the patient’s life and illness history, conducts a visual and palpation examination, and prescribes the necessary functional and instrumental studies.

Levin Dmitry Valerievich
Oral and maxillofacial surgeon, chief physician of the Center

What if the treatment does not work?

Conservative treatment does not help in cases where changes in the joint are serious. In this case, one of the types of surgical operations is performed:

• puncture of the cavity and arthroscopy of the joint;
• a small incision to eliminate pathological tissue, adjust the location of the cartilaginous disc and condyle;
• intra-articular intervention in the presence of a tumor process, bone fragments and destruction of bone tissue.

The type of surgical intervention is determined by a council of doctors after all the necessary studies confirming its expediency.

Dmitry Levin
Oral and maxillofacial surgeon, chief physician of the Center

Levin Dmitry Valerievich

Author of the article. Oral and maxillofacial surgeon, chief physician of the Center

What is it?

As you know, the lower jaw is connected to the upper, forming the temporomandibular joint, thanks to which we can speak, chew, yawn. Temporomandibular syndrome (TMJ) is a whole symptom complex, the main features of which are soreness of the masticatory muscles, crunching or crackling when chewing, opening the mouth, and limiting the mobility of the lower jaw.

TMJ can be caused by osteoarthritis, bruxism (teeth grinding), malocclusion, and some other factors. Both one and both temporomandibular joints can be affected.

TMJ symptoms range from mild (moderate pain when chewing) to severe, manifested by inability to open the mouth or headache. Sometimes it is not possible to determine the exact cause of TMJ.

Most temporomandibular joint inflammation is mild and resolves on its own within a few weeks with limited stress on the joint, but occasionally TMJ symptoms may recur.

What to expect

TMJ pain can be on one or both sides, worse when chewing. In severe cases, the pain spreads to the muscles of the face, neck, chronic headaches, nocturnal bruxism, difficulty opening or closing the mouth appear. TMJ may also be accompanied by blurred vision, dizziness, or muscle stiffness.

Prevalence

It is believed that TMJ occurs in every fourth person at least once in a lifetime.

Treatment

Treatment may include:

• muscle relaxation exercises,
• joint stress relief,
• warm compresses,
• pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, sen),
• bite correction at the dentist ,
• wearing special night guards to prevent bruxism,
• intra-articular injections.