Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is a type of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) that causes pain in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles and ligaments. Although an exact cause for TMJ has not been identified yet, several conditions have been observed that can lead to TMJ problems. TMJ disorders are painful and can cause discomfort and soreness, along with several other difficulties. This article will look at the main conditions that lead to TMJ disorders.
What Are TMJ Disorders?
Disorders of the jaw joint and the chewing muscle due to myofascial pain, internal derangement, or arthritis are considered temporomandibular joint disorders in people. Those with TMJ disorder can simultaneously get chronic fatigue syndrome and sleeping disturbances.
TMJ disorder is seen mainly in women than men. Most people will experience a mild form of the condition. The problem can grow with time or become persistent with debilitating pain, depending on the condition.
Common Signs And Symptoms
The following signs and symptoms are mostly seen among individuals suffering from TMJ disorders. If you have these conditions, visit a dental clinic for a comprehensive examination to diagnose the problem.
- Pain in the jaw joint and chewing muscles
- Pain in face, neck, or shoulder
- Limited jaw movements
- Jaw locking
- Clicking sounds when opening and closing mouth
- Changes in the upper and lower teeth fit
Conditions That Lead to TMJ Disorders
Even though an exact reason for TMJ occurrence has yet to be identified, several studies have identified a few links between the below conditions and TMJ disorders.
Bruxism – This is an involuntary condition that can happen while you are awake or during sleep. Bruxism is the grinding, clenching, and gnashing of teeth often involved with individuals’ personality types. It can cause or worsen TMJ conditions.
Jaw injury – Trauma to the face or jaw can cause dislocation of the joints and break condyles, the rounded projections on the jaw bone. Accidents, sports injuries, and falls are a few common causes of jaw injuries resulting in TMJ fractures.
Arthritis – Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or posterior arthritis can cause pain, inflammation, and restricted jaw area movements. The TMJ disorder due to arthritis is referred to as TMJ arthralgia and is considered a unique TMD disorder.
Infections – Septic arthritis is an infectious condition that can cause swelling, pain, tenderness, and limited range of motion, resulting in TMJ. The pain can worsen during sleep, especially if you have bruxism, and wake you up in the middle of the night due to severe discomfort.
Dental surgeries – It is said that certain dental surgeries can cause or trigger existing TMJ conditions. Keeping your mouth open for extended periods for significant surgeries, applying too much pressure on the jaw during treatments, too thick caps or crowns, and fillings can cause TMJ symptoms in certain people.
Once you visit a dental clinic, a comprehensive examination will be performed, including the head, neck, face, and jaw areas. Therapies, self-care practices, use of mouth guards or splints, or even irreversible methods such as jaw shifting are recommended depending on your condition’s severity.
If you think you have symptoms similar to TMJ disorders, visit us at American Dental Center in Dubai for an extensive diagnosis. Our experts use a special treatment called Kois appliance to easily and quickly diagnose your TMJ and TMD problems. Visit us now or call us to book your next dental appointment.
