TMJ Dysfunction /TMD Treatment in Mississauga
TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint – the jaw joint you have on the right and the left side of your skull. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can be felt by placing your fingers on both sides in front of the ears while opening and closing your mouth. It is one of the most complex and frequently used joint in the human body. In the case of TMD/TMJ dysfunction, you will feel pain in your jaw and the surrounding muscles. If you are experiencing TMJ/TMD dysfunction, schedule your appointment with Raamya Dentistry today.
Although temporomandibular joint dysfunction is usually self-diagnosable, it is always better to seek an expert opinion.
Causes, Symptoms and Diagnosis of TMJ
Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a collective term that includes several clinical problems, which involve the masticatory muscles (muscles helps in chewing), the jaw joint and associated structures, or both. TMD commonly affects those who are between the ages of 20 and 40. Approximately 33% of the population has at least one TMD symptom, but less than 10% of the population needs dentist assistance.
Fortunately, most symptoms go away over a period of time without any dentist’s help. However, sometimes symptoms recur and progress, so it is better to schedule a consultation.
The root cause of TMD is often difficult to determine, but various factors can aggravate TMD that include:
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A missing tooth
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Clenching teeth
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Improper dental fillings, crowns and bridges
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Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
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Physical or mental trauma
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Stress
The patient suffering from temporomandibular disorders may have:
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Jaw joint pain
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Jaw joint sounds
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Jaw tenderness
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Limitation in jaw movement
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Difficulty in opening his/her mouth
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Ear pain
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Headaches
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Neck and shoulder pain
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Muscle tenderness
Radiography includes 2D (two-dimensional) radiograph-like panoramic X-rays, Cephalometric X-rays and Intraoral X-rays. Sometimes we might need to take 3D (three-dimensional) images like CBCT (cone beam computerized tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) for evaluating them. After the clinical evaluation and radiographic interpretation, we can make an accurate diagnosis.
Treatment
If your symptoms are persistent, discomfort or pain can be managed in the following ways:
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Pain medication
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Palliative treatment like a warm/cold compress, soft diet and limiting mouth opening
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Physiotherapy
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Occlusal splint
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Surgery
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Trigger point injections
Splint Appliance Therapy
One of the popular treatments for a temporomandibular disorder is splint appliance therapy. Splint therapy is designed to treat specific TMD symptoms. The purpose of the splint is both therapeutic as well as diagnostic. The benefits of splint appliance therapy are:
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Decreased symptoms
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Improvement and stabililzation of muscle and jaw function
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Increased chewing strength
