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The American Dental Association indicates the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) as one of the most complex joints in the body. Involved in its function are several muscles, ligaments and bones. The joint itself is comprised of a disc between a ball and socket. The disc cushions the forces that are placed on the joint, enabling the jaw to move and function normally. When certain conditions prevent these components from functioning properly, TMJ disorder may develop. TMJ Disorder Causes According to the Academy of General Dentistry, though trauma to the jaw or jaw joint sometimes plays a role in TMD, in most instances the cause is unknown. The most common factor contributing to TMD is a bite problem that affects the joint itself. Interferences in the structure of individual teeth may force the lower jaw to become displaced. This leads to the repositioning of the muscles out of their sockets to force the upper and lower teeth to fit together. Wear and tear on the teeth caused by aging, teeth grinding, clenching, or activities that are outside of normal functioning may cause uneven surfaces on the teeth, leading to an interference in bite and improper jaw closure. The presence of scar tissue may also interfere with your bite, causing TMD. TMJ Pain and Symptoms One of the most common symptoms of TMJ is pain in the chewing muscles or jaw joint. When first noticed, this pain is typically the first step toward a proper diagnosis of TMJ. Pain is usually described as a dull ache in the temporomandibular joint and surrounding areas, such as the ears, neck and shoulders. Other symptoms of TMJ disorder include: • An earache in the absence of an infection
• Difficulty opening and closing the mouth and/or chewing
• Recent changes in your bite
• Frequently waking up with headaches or experiencing frequent tension headaches
• Clicking or popping when opening or closing the mouth Treating your TMJ Pain with Neuromuscular Dentistry Neuromuscular dentistry is an approach to dental treatments that focus on the correction of jaw misalignment. Neuromuscular dentists determine the optimal position of the jaw in order to correct the misalignment and adjust how the upper and lower teeth come together. By realigning the jaw joint through the use of cosmetic dental restorations, tooth recontouring or orthodontics, neuromuscular dentists strive to alleviate stress from the jaw and eliminate painful symptoms of TMJ disorder. Proper diagnosis is essential before treatment. When it comes to the treatment of TMJ disorder, conservative treatments appear to be widely used. Most conservative treatments are simple and can be performed properly from the comfort of your own home. The most severe cases can be treated with splints, mouth guards, or other traditional forms of TMJ therapy. A critical step before treatment is selected requires careful examination of the joints and occlusion. Only a small percentage of TMJ cases require surgical intervention. Many cases can be corrected with the use of orthodontics, restorations, equilibration or appliance therapy, which is typically the first line of treatment provided by your dentist. If you are experiencing jaw pain or notice a change in your bite, contact your Cape Coral and Ft Myers dentist for further assessment. When diagnosed with TMJ disorder, proper treatment will be provided by your dentist, whether it is conservative treatment or surgical treatment. The sooner your pain is diagnosed, the better your chances at recovery are.
Dr. Martinez, Cape Coral and Ft Myers dentist, earned his Doctor of Medical Dentistry Degree from the University of Florida in 2003. He is a progressive dentist who is constantly striving to improve his dental education and skills so he can deliver the best and latest that modern dentistry has to offer. Dr. Martinez specializes in veneers, teeth whitening and implants in Ft Myers and Cape Coral.
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