TMJ (The Temporomandibular Joint)
What is TMJ/TMD?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a small joint located in front of the ear where the skull and lower jaw meet. It permits the lower (mandible) to move and function.
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are not uncommon and have various symptoms. Patients often complain of ear pain, headaches and limited jaw movement. They may also complain of popping, clicking or grating sounds in the joint and feel pain when opening and closing their mouth.
The TMJ is a hinge and gliding joint and is the most consistently used joint in the body. The round upper end of the lower jaw, or the movable portion of the joint, is called a condyle; the socket is called the articular fossa. Between the condyle and the articular fossa is a disc made of cartilage that acts as a cushion to absorb stress and allows the condyle to move easily when the mouth opens and closes.
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are not uncommon and have various symptoms. They are often incorrectly referred to as "TMJ". Patients often complain of ear pain, headaches and limited jaw movement. They may also complain of popping, clicking or grating sounds in the joint and feel pain when opening and closing their mouth.
There are two basic types of TMD: Myogenous (muscle generated pain) and Arthrogenous (jaw joint generated pain). The pain may arise suddenly or progress over months to years with intermittent frequency and intensity.
What causes TMJ?
Determining the cause of a TMJ problem is important, because it is the cause that guides the treatment. AtMy Tooth Center we want to treat the symptoms of your pain, so you don't have to live another day in pain! As a provider of TMJ treatment we have studied the various causes of TMJ and can help reduce/relieve your pain.
Common causes of TMJ problems are:
A person suffering from TMJ may have arthritis, which can result from an injury or from grinding the teeth at night. Like other joints in the body, a form of degenerative joint disease, or arthritis, can develop in the TMJ. This can lead to pain tenderness and limited jaw movement.
A person suffering from TMJ may have a displacement or dislocation of the disc that is located between the jawbone and the socket. A displaced disc may produce clicking or popping sounds, limit jaw movement (locked jaw) and cause pain when opening and closing the mouth. In some cases of TMJ disorders, the disc is displaced, which removes the cushioning effect between the "ball" and "socket" and can result in tenderness and pain in the joint.
A person suffering from TMJ may have development of a hole or perforation in the disc, which can produce a grating sound with joint movement. Other conditions such as trauma or rheumatoid arthritis can cause the parts of the TMJ to fuse, preventing jaw movement altogether.
Treatment
Call Dr. Rodriguez today to find out more about a specialised treatment plan.
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202.595.3512
2010 - present
2010 - present