How long does TMJ typically last. What factors affect the duration of TMD symptoms. What treatment options are available for TMJ disorders. How can TMJ flare-ups be managed at home. When should you seek professional help for TMJ pain.

Understanding Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD)

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD), often referred to as TMJ, encompass a range of conditions affecting the jaw joints, muscles, and surrounding nerves. These disorders can cause significant discomfort and impact daily activities like eating and speaking. But how long does TMD typically last?

The duration of TMD symptoms can vary greatly depending on several factors:

• Severity of the underlying condition
• Cause of the disorder (e.g., teeth grinding, arthritis, injury)
• Individual response to treatment
• Presence of contributing factors like stress or poor posture

In many cases, TMD symptoms may resolve within a few days to weeks. However, some individuals experience chronic TMD that can persist for months or even years without proper intervention.

Typical Duration of TMJ Symptoms

The length of time TMJ symptoms last can be broadly categorized as follows:

• Acute TMD: Symptoms lasting a few days to weeks
• Subacute TMD: Symptoms persisting for several weeks to a few months
• Chronic TMD: Symptoms lasting more than 3 months, sometimes extending to years

Why do some cases of TMD resolve quickly while others become chronic? Several factors can influence the duration:

1. Underlying cause: Temporary causes like stress-induced teeth grinding may resolve faster than degenerative conditions like arthritis.
2. Treatment approach: Early and appropriate intervention can significantly shorten the duration of symptoms.
3. Individual factors: Age, overall health, and lifestyle habits can affect recovery time.
4. Severity of joint damage: More extensive damage to the TMJ may require longer healing periods.

Common Causes of Prolonged TMD Symptoms

Certain factors can contribute to longer-lasting TMD symptoms:

• Chronic teeth grinding (bruxism)
• Arthritis in the TMJ
• Jaw misalignment or malocclusion
• Persistent stress and tension
• Muscle imbalances in the jaw and neck
• Connective tissue disorders

Identifying and addressing these underlying causes is crucial for effective long-term management of TMD.

Treatment Options for TMD

The appropriate treatment for TMD depends on the specific cause and severity of symptoms. Common approaches include:

• Custom-made oral appliances or night guards
• Physical therapy and jaw exercises
• Stress management techniques
• Medications (e.g., pain relievers, muscle relaxants)
• Dental treatments to correct bite issues
• Botox injections for muscle relaxation
• In severe cases, surgical intervention

Can TMD be cured completely? While many cases of TMD can be effectively managed, achieving a complete “cure” may not always be possible, especially for chronic cases. However, with proper treatment and lifestyle modifications, most individuals can experience significant improvement in their symptoms and quality of life.

Managing TMJ Flare-Ups at Home

During acute TMJ flare-ups, several home remedies can help alleviate symptoms:

• Applying ice or heat packs to the affected area
• Practicing gentle jaw stretches and exercises
• Using over-the-counter pain relievers
• Eating soft foods and avoiding excessive jaw movements
• Practicing stress-reduction techniques like meditation or deep breathing

How effective are these home remedies? While they can provide temporary relief, it’s important to note that they may not address the underlying cause of TMD. For persistent or severe symptoms, professional evaluation and treatment are recommended.

When to Seek Professional Help for TMD

Recognizing when to consult a healthcare professional is crucial for effective TMD management. Consider seeking help if you experience:

• Persistent jaw pain or tenderness lasting more than a few weeks
• Difficulty opening or closing your mouth fully
• Frequent headaches or migraines
• Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw joint
• Pain that radiates to the face, neck, or shoulders
• Significant impact on daily activities like eating or speaking

Early intervention can prevent the progression of TMD and reduce the risk of chronic complications.

Long-Term Outlook for TMD Patients

What can TMD patients expect in terms of long-term prognosis? The outlook for TMD varies depending on individual factors and treatment adherence. Many patients experience significant improvement with appropriate management, while others may need ongoing care to control symptoms.

Factors influencing long-term outcomes include:

• Timely diagnosis and treatment
• Consistency in following treatment plans
• Addressing underlying contributing factors
• Adopting lifestyle modifications to support jaw health

With proper care and management, most individuals with TMD can achieve a good quality of life and minimize the impact of symptoms on their daily activities.

Preventing TMD Recurrence and Flare-Ups

While not all cases of TMD can be prevented, several strategies can help reduce the risk of recurrence or minimize the frequency of flare-ups:

1. Practice good posture to reduce strain on the jaw and neck muscles
2. Avoid excessive gum chewing or nail biting
3. Use proper techniques when yawning or opening the mouth wide
4. Manage stress through relaxation techniques or counseling
5. Wear a custom-fitted night guard if you grind your teeth during sleep
6. Maintain regular dental check-ups to address any bite issues
7. Be mindful of jaw positioning during sleep and daily activities

How effective are these preventive measures? While they can significantly reduce the risk of TMD flare-ups, it’s important to remember that some factors contributing to TMD may be beyond individual control. Consistency in applying these strategies, combined with professional guidance, offers the best chance for long-term management of TMD symptoms.

The Role of Lifestyle Factors in TMD Management

Lifestyle choices can play a significant role in the duration and severity of TMD symptoms. Consider the following factors:

• Diet: Soft foods during flare-ups can reduce jaw strain
• Sleep habits: Proper sleep posture and quality can affect TMJ health
• Exercise: Regular physical activity can help manage stress and improve overall musculoskeletal health
• Stress management: Techniques like mindfulness and yoga can reduce jaw tension

How much impact can lifestyle changes have on TMD? While individual results may vary, many patients report significant improvement in symptoms and reduced frequency of flare-ups when incorporating these lifestyle modifications alongside professional treatment.

Emerging Treatments and Research in TMD Management

The field of TMD treatment is continuously evolving, with new approaches being researched and developed. Some promising areas include:

• Regenerative medicine techniques for joint repair
• Advanced imaging methods for more precise diagnosis
• Personalized treatment plans based on genetic and biomarker analysis
• Novel pharmaceutical interventions targeting specific pain pathways

While these emerging treatments show promise, it’s important to approach them with cautious optimism. Consult with a TMD specialist to stay informed about the latest evidence-based treatments that may be suitable for your specific condition.

The Importance of a Multidisciplinary Approach to TMD

Given the complex nature of TMD, a multidisciplinary approach often yields the best results. This may involve collaboration between:

• Dentists specializing in TMD
• Oral and maxillofacial surgeons
• Physical therapists
• Pain management specialists
• Psychologists or stress management experts

How does a multidisciplinary approach benefit TMD patients? By addressing all aspects of the condition – physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors – patients often experience more comprehensive and lasting relief from TMD symptoms.

Coping Strategies for Living with Chronic TMD

For individuals dealing with long-term TMD, developing effective coping strategies is crucial. Consider the following approaches:

• Join support groups to connect with others facing similar challenges
• Explore pain management techniques like biofeedback or acupuncture
• Develop a daily self-care routine to manage symptoms
• Work with a therapist to address any emotional impact of chronic pain
• Stay informed about your condition and treatment options

How can these strategies improve quality of life for TMD patients? By empowering individuals to take an active role in their treatment and providing tools to manage both physical and emotional aspects of the condition, these coping strategies can significantly enhance overall well-being and resilience in the face of chronic TMD.

The Economic Impact of TMD and Treatment Considerations

The financial aspect of TMD treatment is an important consideration for many patients. Factors to consider include:

• Insurance coverage for various treatment options
• Long-term cost-effectiveness of different interventions
• Potential impact on work productivity and income
• Availability of financial assistance or payment plans for treatment

How can patients navigate the financial aspects of TMD treatment? It’s advisable to discuss treatment costs and options with healthcare providers, explore insurance coverage, and consider the long-term benefits of investing in effective TMD management. In many cases, addressing TMD early can prevent more costly complications down the line.

TMD in Special Populations: Considerations for Different Age Groups

The presentation and management of TMD can vary across different age groups:

• Children and adolescents: May be related to growth and development issues
• Young adults: Often stress-related or due to habits like teeth grinding
• Middle-aged adults: May be influenced by hormonal changes or accumulated wear and tear
• Older adults: More likely to be associated with degenerative conditions like arthritis

How does age affect TMD treatment approaches? Treatment strategies often need to be tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of each age group, considering factors like growth patterns, lifestyle, and overall health status.

The Connection Between TMD and Other Health Conditions

TMD often coexists with or is influenced by other health conditions, including:

• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Autoimmune disorders
• Sleep disorders
• Anxiety and depression

Understanding these connections is crucial for comprehensive TMD management. How does the presence of comorbid conditions affect TMD treatment? It often necessitates a more holistic approach, addressing not just the jaw symptoms but also considering the interplay with other health issues for more effective overall management.

Future Directions in TMD Research and Treatment

As our understanding of TMD continues to evolve, several areas of research hold promise for improving diagnosis and treatment:

• Advanced imaging techniques for early detection of joint changes
• Genetic studies to identify predisposing factors
• Development of targeted biological therapies
• Integration of artificial intelligence in treatment planning
• Exploration of novel non-invasive treatment modalities

How might these advancements shape the future of TMD care? While it’s difficult to predict specific outcomes, ongoing research offers hope for more personalized, effective, and possibly preventative approaches to TMD management in the coming years.

In conclusion, the duration and management of TMD can vary widely among individuals. While some may experience quick resolution of symptoms, others may face a more chronic course requiring ongoing care. Understanding the factors influencing TMD duration, exploring various treatment options, and adopting a proactive approach to management can significantly improve outcomes for those affected by this challenging condition. As research continues to advance our understanding of TMD, patients and healthcare providers alike can look forward to more targeted and effective strategies for managing this complex disorder.

How Long Does TMD Last?

Restorative Dentistry |3 min read

published August 10, 2021Last updated January 28, 2022

We know that jaw pain or TMJ-related issues are very uncomfortable.

It impacts your quality of life.

Any disorders of the joints, jaw muscles, and nerves, are known as TMJ disorder (or TMD).

If you’re dealing with that right now, you’re likely wondering:

How long does TMD last?!

We’ll answer that very question and give you a run-through of how it can be treated.

How long does TMD last?

It depends on the severity of the underlying condition.

TMJ symptoms last anywhere from a couple of days to a few weeks.

Some TMJ disorders can last months or years… This text opens a new tab to the WebMD website…, such as those caused by teeth grinding and arthritis.

But:

Treatment and proper care may relieve you of your symptoms.

How is TMD treated?

There are various types of treatment for TMD.

Your dentist will recommend one based on the cause of the disorder as well as your dental and personal needs.

If clenching or teeth grinding is the cause of the problem, you may be advised to use a custom-made appliance.

A dental appliance or nightguard will ease muscle pressure and protect your teeth at night.

If you have missing teeth, they could be the culprit behind your jaw pain or misalignment. Your dentist may create a custom restoration – an implant or bridge – to restore the proper balance.

Can TMD go away on its own?

For many people, TMD symptoms eventually subside on their own.

Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.

We recommend visiting your dentist if you’re experiencing:

• Persistent pain or tenderness in your jaw
• Clicking or popping in the jaw joint
• Migraines
• Locked jaw (you can’t open or close your jaw completely)
• Aching pain in or around your ear(s)
• Difficulty or pain while chewing
• Aching facial pain
• Dizziness
• Unevenly worn teeth

All of the above symptoms are common signs of TMJ disorder.

TMD can be serious and grow into a long-lasting issue if left untreated.

What happens if TMD goes untreated?

The chronic form of TMD may cause damage to your:

• Tendons
• Muscles
• Cartilage
• Temporal bone

And:

That damage can lead to health problems such as:

• Arthritis
• Nerve damage
• Permanent dislocation
• Worn teeth
• Vertigo
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Insomnia
• And more

So it’s best to seek TMD treatment to keep your flare-ups under control.

Are there home remedies for TMD?

There are ways that you can manage your TMD symptoms at home, but they likely won’t fully treat your condition.

Applying ice or warm, moist heat to the side of your face may help soothe your pain.

Taking over-the-counter pain medication like Ibuprofen may also help provide some relief.

Avoid slouching or having a forward head posture to avoid overworking or straining your temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Also, practicing self-care may reduce your TMD symptoms. Try taking a daily walk to de-stress and brighten your mood.

Are you seeking TMD treatment?

Your Woburn dentists would love to help you!

At Dental Health Care of Woburn, we’ll provide you with world-class dentistry and ensure that all your needs are met.

We’ll do whatever it takes to make your visits relaxing and enjoyable.

Contact us to schedule a TMD treatment consultation.

Book Your Appointment

Or contact us by:

• Phone: 781-935-8810
• Email: [email protected]
• Send us a message online

Dental Health Care of Woburn serves patients from Woburn, Winchester, Burlington, Stoneham, Reading, Tewksbury, Wilmington, Lexington, Wakefield, and surrounding communities.

How Long Do TMJ Flare-Ups Last? And What Causes Them?

If you have TMJ, also known as Temporomandibular Disorder or TMD, you understand how painful and tiring a flare-up can be. Besides having jaw pain and discomfort, you may experience headaches, lockjaw, and trouble eating certain foods.

The good news is that TMJ flare-ups typically don’t last very long, and there are steps you can take to reduce future symptoms

We’ve put together this blog post with everything you need to know about TMJ and TMD symptoms.

TMJ Symptoms

When you have a TMJ flare-up, you may experience a wide range of symptoms, including:

• Jaw joint pain
• Ear ringing
• Headaches
• Earaches
• Facial swelling
• Problems opening or closing your mouth
• Clicking or popping noises when opening or closing your mouth
• Facial muscle spasms

How Long Does a TMJ Flare-Up Last?

How long your TMJ flare-up lasts will entirely depend on what triggered the episode as well as your past history with TMJ. Generally, you can expect a TMJ flare-up to last anywhere from a few hours to a few days. In rare cases, TMJ flare-ups can last for several weeks.

If your TMJ symptoms don’t resolve within this timeframe, talk to your orthodontist about possible treatment options.

What Causes TMJ Flare-Ups?

Surprisingly, most TMJ flare-ups are triggered by stress. When you’re feeling tense, you may unknowingly clench your jaw slightly or grind your teeth. This can even occur while you are sleeping, so you may be totally unaware it’s happening.

While stress is the most common cause of TMJ flare-ups, they can also be caused by a variety of other factors. Below, you’ll find an extensive list of everything that can trigger symptoms.

Stress

When you’re stressed, you may unknowingly put more pressure on your jaw joints by clenching or tightening your jaw. This pressure often leads to TMJ pain and alignment problems.

Dehydration

Hydration is crucial for keeping your jaw joints lubricated. Thus, not drinking enough water can make your TMJ symptoms worse.

Hard, Crunchy, or Chewy Foods

Biting down on something hard or crunchy can easily trigger a TMJ flare-up. Some of the most common trigger foods include steak, bagels, raw vegetables, nuts, and hard candy.

Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding (sleep bruxism) is a common condition that happens at night, and it is especially common for individuals who experience high levels of stress. Without treatment, night-time teeth grinding can cause common symptoms of TMJ like headaches, pain, and lockjaw.

Poor Posture

Poor posture can put unnecessary pressure on the joints in your jaw, leading to pain, lockjaw, and other TMJ flare-up symptoms.

Injury to the Jaw

Jaw injuries are one of the most common causes of TMJ flare-ups. If you’ve suffered a jaw injury, be sure to see your orthodontist to prevent your symptoms from getting any worse.

Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D is important for the body and can support healthy joint functioning. For this reason, when your vitamin D supply is depleted, you may notice you suffer more TMJ flare-ups.

Undetermined

Sometimes, it is difficult to find any reason behind your TMJ flare-up. In these cases, working with your orthodontist to come up with a plan for treatment is usually the best course of action.

How to Treat TMJ Flare-Ups at Home

You can treat your TMJ flare-up at home by applying a hot or cold pack to your face to minimize pain and swelling. Taking an OTC anti-inflammatory, like Advil or Tylenol, can also help ease your pain. You may also want to limit your intake of certain trigger foods, including anything that’s hard or crunchy.

Because stress plays such a significant role in TMJ, it’s also important to reduce your stress levels as much as possible. You might try exercising more often, taking more breaks at work, and finding time in each day to relax fully. Working with a psychologist or counselor can also help you learn more effective ways to manage stress.

While there are many forms of treatment you can seek on your own, it’s important to visit your orthodontist for professional diagnosis and treatment. If you have chronic TMJ, there are several types of treatment available to you, including Botox, mouth guards, and physical therapy.

Schedule a TMJ Appointment

If you’re suffering from TMJ flare-ups, don’t wait to seek treatment. The orthodontists at Brooklyn Orthodontics have years of experience helping patients with TMJ relieve their symptoms. We’re the most trusted TMJ specialists in Brooklyn and the surrounding boroughs.

Reach out to our team today to schedule an appointment.

Osteoarthritis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ): causes, symptoms, treatment

What is arthrosis of the TMJ?

Osteoarthritis of the temporomandibular joint is a degenerative (that is, associated with aging) disease during which the joint shrinks and collapses.

The TMJ is involved in many important processes: eating, speaking, chewing, yawning, swallowing. Arthrosis can lead to serious violations of all these processes and, as a result, to a deterioration in the quality of life. And difficulties with chewing food can affect the gastrointestinal tract and lead to its diseases.

Therefore, if symptoms of arthrosis occur, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Comprehensive approach in action! Created the perfect smile and relieved the patient of joint pain

Doctors:

Gaponenko Daria, Kharchenko Kirill, Baryshnikov Kirill,

Clinic:
Frunzenskaya,

In detail

Which doctor should I contact about arthrosis of the TMJ?

To a gnathologist. He is a specialist in masticatory muscle and temporomandibular joint pathologies. If arthrosis has arisen as a complication of other diseases, the patient may need to consult specialist doctors: a rheumatologist, endocrinologist, neurologist or otolaryngologist.

Arthrosis of the TMJ: causes of occurrence

Cartilage tissue is regularly updated. Renewal largely depends on the synovial membrane, which secretes a special fluid that nourishes and lubricates the joint. But with age or due to a large number of injuries, the body loses its ability to regenerate and arthrosis develops.

The most common causes of arthrosis:

• Jaw injury: contusion, dislocation or fracture
• Permanent joint overload
• Absence of teeth, chewing on one side for a long time
• Bruxism (unconscious clenching of the jaws and grinding of teeth) and constant stress as a cause of bruxism
• Malocclusion
• Failed prosthetics
• Frequent intubations (with “general” anesthesia, resuscitation)

What symptoms should be looked out for?

• Clicking joint
• Restrictions in jaw movement – when it is impossible to fully open the mouth (especially in the morning)
• Appeared facial asymmetry
• Discomfort when swallowing and chewing
• Joint pain radiating to the ear, temple, or teeth

If you were diagnosed with arthritis of the TMJ, acute infectious disease, facial trauma, otitis or tooth extraction before the onset of symptoms of arthrosis, see a doctor immediately!

How quickly does arthrosis develop?

Arthrosis of the temporomandibular joint is divided into 4 stages: from the initial one with minor changes to the last one, at which there is complete immobility of the lower jaw.

The rate of development of the disease is unpredictable: several decades can pass between the first and last stages, or maybe only six months. Therefore, in no case do not ignore the symptoms and immediately make an appointment with a doctor.

Why is it important to contact a specialist in time?

Arthrosis of the TMJ is a chronic disease that inevitably progresses and does not go away on its own. The sooner you see a doctor, the higher the chances of a complete cure. Otherwise, arthrosis will require constant treatment and lifelong monitoring.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of arthrosis of the TMJ begins with a face-to-face consultation with a gnathologist. The doctor will conduct an examination, collect an anamnesis and decide whether conservative treatment of the joint is possible. There are cases of arthrosis that require surgical intervention – then we will refer you to a hospital.

Further in-depth diagnostics will follow. The doctor prescribes an individual set of procedures for each patient. Comprehensive diagnosis is important in the treatment of the joint. The TMJ is one of the most complex joints in the body and understanding the individual characteristics of your joint is essential to the outcome of your treatment.

Diagnostic methods

To make a diagnosis, x-ray studies are needed:

• MRI – magnetic resonance therapy. It helps to obtain high-precision images of the soft tissues surrounding the joints.

• OPTG – orthopantomogram or panoramic x-ray. It, among other things, allows you to assess the condition of the temporomandibular joints;

Osteoarthritis of the temporomandibular joint: methods of treatment

Joint treatment is NOT instantaneous. It must be understood that this is a process that takes months and requires discipline from the patient. And this is a team work – with the participation of dentists of related specializations.

Methods of treatment are selected individually, taking into account the degree of damage to the joint:

• Your doctor may prescribe splint therapy. Purpose: to relax the muscles that are in hypertonicity, to stabilize the lower jaw and joint in the correct position. The splint will be made in the laboratory. The therapy lasts for several months.

• After the correct position of the lower jaw is stabilized, splint therapy is considered completed. Temporary veneers can then be placed on the teeth (if indicated) to achieve the ideal jaw position.

• The next stage of treatment is orthodontic and/or orthopedic (reconstructive treatment). This is necessary in order to bring the position of the teeth in line with the new position of the jaw and joint.

• Treatment completed. But the patient remains under regular supervision of a gnathologist.

In addition to treatment, the doctor may recommend changing eating habits – giving up solid foods – and limiting any mechanical stress on the temporomandibular joint.

Treatment of arthrosis of the TMJ with medications

Dentists do not prescribe medication – this can be done by an orthopedist or traumatologist. Osteoarthritis is not an inflammatory disease, so anti-inflammatory drugs are ineffective. With arthrosis, painkillers and muscle relaxants, drugs that relax muscles, can be prescribed.

The main task of dental treatment is to put the temporomandibular joint in the correct position. Until this happens, any drug treatment will be a fight not with the cause of the disease, but with its symptoms.

Surgical treatment of arthrosis of the TMJ

In most cases, splint therapy for arthrosis of the TMJ gives a good result. But sometimes you need not conservative therapy, but surgery. Our experts will recommend you a hospital and surgeons specializing in TMJ. There are various options for surgical treatment – from replenishing the joint fluid to prosthetics of the entire joint.

Are there effective folk remedies for the treatment of arthrosis of the TMJ?

Belgravia Dental Studio gnathologists strictly adhere to the principles of evidence-based medicine and use only treatment methods with proven effectiveness. The so-called “folk remedies” do not apply to them.

Is physiotherapy used in the treatment of arthrosis of the TMJ?

The effectiveness of physiotherapy has not been scientifically proven, so the doctors of our clinic do not use physiotherapy methods of treatment in their practice.

Treatment of arthrosis of the TMJ in the clinic Belgravia Dental Studio, Moscow

The gnathologists of our clinic have at their disposal modern diagnostic equipment, advanced techniques and extensive experience in the treatment of diseases of the temporomandibular joint. We do not use dubious “author’s” methods, we do not prescribe examinations and medicines “just in case”. We treat within the framework of evidence-based medicine, we prescribe only the necessary examinations, clinically tested methods.

What is the prognosis for patients suffering from arthrosis?

If the treatment of TMJ arthrosis is started at an early stage, and it includes bite correction and proper prosthetics, the prognosis is favorable. In the later stages, surgical treatment in a hospital is possible. After the operation, you need regular follow-up with a gnathologist.

Make an appointment at the clinic

You can make an appointment by calling: or . We will select a convenient time for your visit. You will have a personal medical coordinator to guide you through the entire treatment process.

Arthritis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ): causes, symptoms, treatment

If you are concerned about joint pain, you need to consult a gnathologist. With the help of modern equipment, the doctor will make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe effective treatment. Then the doctor will observe the patient, adjust the treatment and monitor the result.

What is TMJ arthritis?

Arthritis is inflammation of a joint, in this case the temporomandibular joint. This is the joint that connects the movable lower jaw to the base of the skull.

The TMJ is one of the most complex and “demanded” joints. It is involved in yawning, speech, and even breathing. A person makes about 1400 chewing and 2000 swallowing movements per day. The joint allows the lower jaw to move in different directions: up and down and right and left.

Arthritis of the TMJ (sometimes referred to by patients as “arthritis of the jaw joint”) can be acute or chronic.

Which doctor treats TMJ diseases?

Diseases of the temporomandibular joint are treated by a gnathologist – a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of the dento-jaw system. Gnatologists with many years of experience conduct appointments in our clinic.

What symptoms should you look out for?

Arthritis of the temporomandibular joint, may be accompanied by such signs:

• Limited mandibular mobility
• Joint pain
• Clicking, crunching when opening / closing the mouth

Causes of arthritis

In most cases, the exact cause of arthritis cannot be determined. Among the most common:

• Trauma
• Articular head erosion
• Joint Wear
• Congenital lesion of the articular head
• Malocclusion
• Errors in prosthetics
• Increased load on the joint

Types of temporomandibular arthritis

Arthritis of the TMJ is more common:

• Traumatic. Trauma can lead to this arthritis, such as a complex tooth extraction or endotracheal intubation.

• Secondary degenerative. This type of arthritis usually develops in patients between the ages of 20 and 40 who have a history of trauma or myofascial pain syndrome.

Diagnosis of TMJ arthritis

Diagnosis of arthritis of the TMJ begins with a face-to-face consultation with a specialist gnathologist. The doctor conducts an examination, collects an anamnesis. Next – in-depth diagnostics according to indications. Possible methods:

• MRI
• Computed tomography CT
• panoramic shot

After the diagnosis, the doctor draws up a therapeutic treatment plan. If it is obvious that conservative treatment will not work, we will recommend surgical treatment of the joint in a hospital.

How is TMJ arthritis treated?

Depending on the type of TMJ arthritis and the severity of the disease, your doctor may prescribe the following treatment:

• Splint therapy. This is a treatment using a special cap made in the laboratory from casts. Purpose: to relax the muscles that are in hypertonicity, to find the correct position for the lower jaw and joint;

• After the position of the lower jaw is stabilized, temporary veneers can be placed on the teeth to achieve the ideal position of the joint;

• The next stage of treatment is orthodontic and/or orthopedic (reconstructive) treatment. It is necessary in order to bring the position of the teeth in line with the new position of the jaw and joint;

• Treatment completed. Now the patient remains under regular supervision of a gnathologist.

How long does the treatment take?

It is important to understand that the joint cannot be cured in one visit to the doctor. This is a complex treatment involving a whole team of dental specialists. The duration of treatment in each case is different, and depends on the severity of the disease. But on average, complex treatment of TMJ arthritis takes about 3 years.