TMJ Disorders
The Temporomandibular Joint
or TMJ is located in front of your ear where the skull and lower
jaw meet. This joint allows movement of the lower jaw, and enables
your top teeth to meet with your bottom teeth. Similar to other
joints in your body, the TMJ has a cartilage component as well
as various muscle and ligament attachments.
Symptoms
TMJ disorders develop for many
reasons. Trauma to your jaw is a common cause as well as clenching
or grinding your teeth. Symptoms include painful clicking or
popping of the joint when opening or closing your mouth, sore
jaw muscles when awakening, frequent headaches or pain in the
TMJ area.
Treatment
Treatment begins with a clinical
and x-ray examination. Drs. Dachille, Laing and Paladino will determine
if your problem is in the joint, or the muscles and ligaments,
which move the joint. Treatment involves a team approach and
may include your dentist, orthodontist, physical therapist and
oral surgeon. Most often, conservative methods yield the best
results. Often, a bite guard is all that is needed to solve
your problem. Other times a steroid injection into the joint
will relieve pain and inflammation. Surgery of the TMJ is rarely
needed.
