Two small connections of your lower and upper jaws, located in front of the ears on both sides of your face, are the most regularly used joints in your body. Unfortunately, more than thirty conditions can cause pain in these joints and prevent your jaws from functioning normally. It can be confusing to learn about these joints and their dysfunction because of the acronym TMJ. Learn more about how TMJ is diagnosed below or see our emergency appointments for TMJ.
If you have any questions or concerns about TMJ, schedule an appointment with Trident Dental for a comprehensive oral exam and TMJ evaluation.
What Is TMJ?
TMJ is the abbreviation for temporomandibular joint, the complex joint between your upper and lower jaws. The bones, ligaments, and other soft tissues of the TMJ permit the many complex jaw movements needed for daily activities such as talking, chewing, and swallowing. However, TMJ is also used to refer to a painful condition of this joint that is more accurately described by the acronym, TMD (temporomandibular disorder).
For the TMJ to function properly and painlessly, many muscles, ligaments, bones, teeth, and nerves must work together harmoniously. Any impairment to one or more of these can lead to a dysfunctional joint that causes TMD symptoms.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of TMJ?
One of TMJ disorder symptoms is a clicking or popping noise when you open your mouth. However, if you have no pain associated with this noise, it may be considered normal and require no treatment. If you have pain that accompanies the noise, you should have an oral evaluation to diagnose any potential problems. Other symptoms that may signal TMJ dysfunction include:
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Pain in your chewing muscles or your temporomandibular joints in front of your ears.
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Your jaw frequently locks open or closed.
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Limited movement of your jaws due to stiffness.
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Problems with your ears such as pain, ringing, or hearing loss.
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Changes in how your teeth bite together.
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Painful neck, shoulder, or facial muscles.
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Frequent headaches.
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Pain and premature wearing of the teeth.
What Are The Risk Factors For TMJ?
Due to the complexity of the TMJ and its frequent use, there are many possible risk factors for TMJ disorder, such as:
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Grinding your teeth while sleeping.
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Clenching your teeth throughout the day.
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Biting your fingernails.
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Chewing on non-food items such as ink pens.
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Lip or cheek biting habits.
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Frequent gum chewing.
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Teeth that are out of alignment.
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Arthritis of the temporomandibular joint.
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Traumatic injury to the face or jaw.
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Adults between the ages of twenty and forty.
How Is TMJ Diagnosed?
If you think you might have a problem with your TMJ, you should contact Trident Dental for a complete evaluation. This evaluation and further diagnostic steps might include:
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Observing opening and closing your mouth. This may include listening and feeling your jaw during its movement.
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Pressing on muscles and bones in the jaw, face, and neck to find any painful areas.
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Dental x-rays to examine the teeth and bones of your jaws.
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CT scan for a more detailed examination of the bones of the TMJ.
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MRI to evaluate the soft tissues and TMJ disc.
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TMJ arthroscopy that involves examining the joint with a camera attached to a cannula placed into the area of the joint.
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Electromyography that helps evaluate the muscle activity in the head and neck, which can be a factor in deciding on the best treatment.
Schedule Appointment
Contact us at Trident Dental to learn how we can help you with any questions or problems you might experience with jaw or facial pain.