TMJ DISORDERS
What is the TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a bilateral hinge that connects the jaw to the temporal bones of the skull that are located in front of each ear. The TMJ, the only joint in the skull, allows you to move your jaw up and down and side to side. This joint enables us to talk and chew.
How can TMD occur?
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) can occur as a normal part of aging, but it can also develop from:
• an injury such as a motor vehicle accident.
• a fall involving your head.
• a traumatic sports injury to the head.
• a misaligned bite.
• grinding your teeth at night.
• clenching during the day.
Arthritis can cause TMD
Arthritis as a cause of TMJ is especially important with seniors who are affected by this condition. Two arthritic changes can cause TMJ dysfunction. Osteoarthritis, which is usually found in more aged bones that are degenerating, is a common cause of joint pain. However, although we don’t often think of osteoarthritis as affecting the jaw (the temporomandibular joint), it can and does.
A second cause can be Rheumatoid arthritis, which is a chronic, systemic, autoimmune inflammatory condition characterized by joint inflammation. It affects people of any age, including children, and usually affects women more than men. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause inflammation around the TMJ joint, which restricts movement of the joint, resulting in severe pain.
What are the symptoms of TMD?
• Popping or clicking sounds when moving your jaw
• Ringing in the ear
• Ear pain
• Facial pain
• Tension headaches.
• Locked jaw
How is TMD diagnosed?
A TMJ diagnosis is not a simple one, since its symptoms are shared with other conditions. Only a dentist who appreciates the seriousness of the condition, has vast experience and secondary training, and has the team resources in place from a variety of disciplines will be able to properly diagnose and treat it.
Treatment is available
The discomfort caused by TMJ disorders is often debilitating. A TMJ sufferer will often have to deal with chronic pain so intense that it can make one miss work, or miss out on life and the joy of eating.With over thirty years of experience in treating TMD patients, Dr. Wagner and her staff are uniquely qualified to treat this disorder.
She has access to diagnostic imaging such as an MRI or cone beam scanning, and routinely works with oral surgeons should a minimally invasive procedure be needed either for further diagnosis or treatment. Whatever brings you and your TMJ symptoms to our office, you can rest assured that you will receive a comprehensive examination, diagnosis, and a full treatment plan.