TMJ Treatment

TMJ disorders affect the jaw joint, surrounding muscles, and ligaments that control the jaw. Symptoms can range from mild jaw clicking and trouble opening the mouth to headaches. Doctors may prescribe medications, physical therapies, or surgical procedures to treat TMJ disorders.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most heavily used joints in the body. People use it to eat, talk, and even breathe.

TMJ is a pair of joints that connect the jawbone (lower jaw) to the skull. These joints are on either side of the face, in front of the ears.

Temporomandibular joint disorders, abbreviated as TMD or TMJD, refer to any pain and dysfunction in the joints or muscles surrounding them.

 

The following examples are potential causes of TMJD:

  • teeth and jaw injuries, such as dislocation
  • dental issues, such as teeth clenching, grinding (bruxism), misalignment, or improper bite (malocclusion)
  • poor posture
  • autoimmune diseases
  • inflammatory conditions such as arthritis
  • infections

Symptoms:

Doctors consider TMJD an acute or chronic condition, depending on the severity and frequency of the symptoms. It may cause several symptoms, including:
  • issues with the jaw, such as popping or clicking sounds or locking
  • pain in the jaw, neck, shoulders, or face
  • difficulty opening the mouth wide
  • headaches
  • problems with the ears, such as ringing (tinnitus) or earaches
  • vertigo
  • tooth pain and other dental issues
These symptoms may be present on just one or both sides of the face.
Surgical procedures
When conservative treatments are not effective, doctors may recommend surgical procedures.
 
Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections can help relieve pain from jaw muscle tension. A 2021 review found that Botox injections reduced pain, tension headaches, and joint dysfunction resulting from TMJD.
 
Doctors may also directly inject corticosteroids into the affected joint to reduce pain and inflammation. A 2020 study found that supplementing TMJ arthrocentesis with steroid injections helped with longer-lasting pain management and pain-free jaw movement.
 
Doctors may recommend surgery to treat a person’s TMJD in some severe cases. The options include:
 
  • Arthrocentesis: This procedure removes debris and inflammatory byproducts in the joint by rinsing the joint with fluid through tiny needles.
  • Arthroscopy: This uses a small thin tube (arthroscope) to check, diagnose, and treat the cause of TMJD. This can include changing the position of the cartilage disc, improving joint surfaces, or treating scarring.
  • Open-joint surgery (arthrotomy): Doctors use this procedure to repair, replace, or remove parts of the TMJ, and it is more invasive than the other types.
  • It is essential to ask doctors about the benefits, risks, and potential complications associated with the procedures before considering TMJD treatment.
 
TMJD is not a life threatening condition. However, depending on the cause of TMJD, it can lead to significant and persistent discomfort and tension. Chronic pain may cause other conditions, such as depression.
Jaw pain is a fairly common condition often neglected by people. However, TMJ disorders can lead to more significant headaches and discomfort and may soon hinder day-to-day functions if a person does not get treatment.
Most TMJ disorders are treatable. A person who experiences TMJD symptoms should consult a doctor for a prompt diagnosis and treatment.
 
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