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What is "Temporomandibular Joint - TMJ" or "Temporomandibular Disorders - TMD?"
"TMJ," although it has become almost a household word, is a non-specific, catch-all-term for a variety of pain/dysfunction conditions of the head and neck. It was originally derived from the Temporomandibular joint, the joints of the jaw once thought to be the source of most of these ailments. Today we know that there are many causes of head and neck problems that may or may not be related to the Temporomandibular joint. For this reason, although not as widely familiar, most dentists use "TMD" (for Temporomandibular disorders) to more accurately describe the condition.
You may normally think of a number of the symptoms of TMD as being medical conditions, not related to dentistry. We will explain what they are, why they may involve your dentist, and how your dentist would diagnose and treat them.
Could You Be Suffering From Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)?
Signs and Symptoms of TMD
Pain, or dysfunction of the head and neck, is a common condition that may be resolved simply or may be very complex to treat, depending upon the circumstances.
The bite can be a factor in many types of pain or functional problems because of the inter-relationship of the overall musculoskeletal system. Since there is a relationship between the teeth, jaw joints, head and neck muscles, and head posture, a problem in any one of these areas may also affect other areas of the musculoskeletal system. Symptoms can include a painful clicking or popping of the jaw joint, various types of head and neck pain, swallowing problems, postural problems, and excessive snoring or sleep apnea, to name a few.
If it is suspected that you suffer from this type of problem, your dentist may ask you if you have any of the symptoms shown below.
Musculoskeletal Signs and Symptoms
Headaches
Jaw joint pain
Jaw joint noise or clicking
Limited mouth opening
Ear congestion
Dizziness
Ringing in the ears
Difficulty swallowing
Loose teeth
Clenching or grinding
Facial pain
Sensitive teeth
Chewing difficulties
Neck pain
Postural problems
Tingling of the fingertips
Hot and cold sensitivity of teeth
Nervousness or insomnia
In addition, your dentist will be looking for a number of signs in your posture, appearance and condition of your teeth, and existing bite conditions that may aid in diagnosis.
Your Dentist's Diagnosis
Your dentist will consider all of the information gathered by taking your history and doing a physical examination of your teeth, head, and neck. When indicated, they may conduct a series of tests using non-invasive, electronic instruments. Data from these tests will indicate to your dentist whether your bite is the cause of, or a major contributing factor to, your condition.
If these tests show that your habitual bite is a probable cause of your condition or pain, your dentist then identifies your optimal jaw position while the jaw muscles are in a relaxed state. This jaw position, and the corresponding new bite, is called neuromuscular occlusion.
TMJ and TMD Treatment
An orthotic is a custom made appliance fabricated of plastic that can be worn over or fixed to the teeth to maintain the neuromuscularly derived bite position. At this point, nothing is done to permanently alter your teeth or your bite. Patients typically wear this plastic appliance for a prescribed period of time to verify that this new jaw position solves or reduces your condition and symptoms. If it does, it has proven that the imperfect bite was the cause of the problem and you may elect to have your natural teeth treated to permanently maintain your new bite position.
If symptoms are not substantially alleviated, the bite position is most likely not the cause of the problem. Your natural bite has not been altered and other causes may then be further explored.