TMJ Disorders

TMJ or temporomandibular joint attaches your jawbone (mandible) to your skull (temporal bone). This joint is located on each side of your jaw just right in front of your ears. TMJ disorders are a pain, literally! TMJ can cause pain, particularly, the muscles that control your jaw movement.

Causes

It is difficult to distinguish what may have caused a person to suffer from TMJ disorders. There are several factors at play such as genetics, arthritis, stress, or even jaw injury. Underlying medical conditions like certain connective tissue diseases could also account for this disorder. Habitual clenching or grinding could also be blamed for this, but not everyone who clenches and grinds their teeth develop such disorders.

Cartilage and small shock-absorbing disks surround the parts of the bones that interact in the joint. Their purpose is to keep the movement as smooth as possible. Painful TMJ can occur if:

• The little disk gets worn down or misaligned
• Inflammation impairs the cartilage
• Sudden, sharp, or heavy impact damages the joint

Nevertheless, what causes TMJ disorders in most cases are uncertain.

What should I expect when I book for a TMJ Disorder Consultation?

Your doctor or dentist may discuss your symptoms and examine your jaw before officially diagnosing you with TMJ disorders. Your medical care providers will most likely listen, feel, and observe the range of motion of your jaw when you open and close your mouth. They may also apply pressure on various areas around your jaw to identify sites of pain and discomfort. X-Rays & CT/MRI scans could also help to properly diagnose TMJ disorders by providing detailed images and revealing problems pertaining to the joint’s disks or surrounding soft tissue.