TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders are a group of problems related to the joints that connect the lower jaw to the skull. Symptoms of a TMJ disorder such as clicking and popping sounds and limited jaw opening occur when the jaw joints and the chewing muscles do not work in harmony. Some types of TMJ problems can lead to more serious conditions, so early detection and treatment are important.
Typically, TMJ disorders are caused by a number of factors and multiple types of treatment are needed. Our doctors have extensive training in the treatment of TMJ disorders and will work closely with your dentist and physician to help you.
Trouble With Your Jaw?
TMJ disorders develop for many reasons. Clenching or grinding your teeth tightens the jaw muscles and stresses the jaw joints. Injuries and joint disease can damage the joint cartilage or bone directly or stretch or tear the muscle tendons. As a result, the cartilage disc which is the “cushion” in the jaw joint can slip out of position. TMJ disorders can result in a misaligned bite, joint and facial pain, limited jaw opening, or clicking or grating noise in the joints when you open your mouth.
Do You Have a TMJ Disorder?
The more times you answered "yes", the more likely it is that you have a TMJ disorder.
There are various treatment options to improve the harmony and function of your jaw joints. The initial goal is to relieve the muscle spasms (if present) and joint pain. This is usually addressed with pain relievers, an anti-inflammatory medication, or a muscle relaxant. Steroids are sometimes injected directly into the joints to reduce pain and inflammation. Self-care treatments can often be effective as well and include:
Biofeedback to manage stress and physical therapy may also be recommended, as well as a temporary, clear plastic appliance known as an occlusal splint. The splint fits over the top or bottom teeth and keeps the teeth apart, thereby stretching and relaxing the muscles and reducing pain. There are different types of appliances used for different purposes. For example, a nightguard prevents clenching or grinding your teeth at night, reduces muscle tension, and helps to protect the cartilage and joint surfaces. An anterior positioning appliance moves your jaw forward, relieves pressure on parts of your jaw, and aids in disc repositioning. It may be worn 24 hours a day to help your jaw heal. Appliances also help to protect from tooth wear.
What About Bite Correction or Surgery?
Occasionally, bite adjustment (equilibration), orthodontics with or without jaw reconstruction, or restorative dental work is needed if the TMJ disorder affects the way the teeth come together. Surgical options such as arthroscopy and open joint repair restructuring are sometimes needed but are reserved for severe cases. TMJ surgery is required if the jaw cannot open, if the disc is dislocated, if the joint has severe degeneration, or if the patient has undergone initial appliance therapy unsuccessfully.
Hunt Valley Medical Center • 10 Warren Road, Suite 330 Cockeysville, Maryland 21030 • Phone: 410-666-5225 • Fax: 410-666-7220
McDonogh Crossroads • 10 Crossroads Drive, Suite 200 Owings Mills, Maryland 21117 • Phone: 410-363-7780 • Fax: 410-581-9724
Upper Chesapeake Medical Center • 615 West MacPhail Road, Suite 205 Bel Air, Maryland 21014 • Phone: 410-838-7301 • Fax: 410-838-3111
The Maryland Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery provides
dental implants, wisdom teeth removal, corrective jaw surgery and other oral surgery treatments
to patients throughout the greater Baltimore Maryland metropolitan area, including the communities of
Randallstown Maryland, Reisterstown Maryland, Worthington Maryland, Pikesville Maryland, Parkville Maryland and Carney Maryland.