Your mandible (lower jaw) and skull are linked by the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The joint is on either side of your head, close to the front of your ears. Your jaw can expand and close, making it easier to talk and chew food.
The jaw joints and the muscles that control the jaw moment hurt because of this type of temporomandibular disorder, or TMD. If you suffer from TMJ disorder, contact Oasis Dental for treatment options.
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Symptoms, treatment, and diagnosis of TMJ disorders
The most common symptoms of TMJ disorder include the ones mentioned below:
Arthritis
Arthritis causes one or more joints to enlarge and become painful. The most common symptoms of arthritis are stiffness and pain in joints, which often worsen with age.
Erosion
Bone erosion is the wearing away of the joint due to localized bone loss (osteolysis) involving the cortical bone and the breakdown of the natural barrier isolating extraskeletal tissue from the intertrabecular spaces of the bone marrow cavity.
Growth disorders
Growth abnormalities vary from inherited growth problems to those resulting from underlying medical conditions such as a deficiency in growth hormone.
Grinding or clenching
Grinding or clenching your teeth, occasionally called bruxism, causes your jaw to move while your teeth stay pressed together. Simply clenching your teeth and tightening your jaw muscles defines clenching.
Structural jaw issues
TMD may be caused significantly by structural problems with the jaw, which may be present from birth.
Stress
When you are under stress, your cheek and jaw muscles may tense up, and you may clench your teeth.
TMJ Disorders Diagnosis
The dentist may need to identify some of your medical problems for TMJ diagnosis and therapy, or an extensive physical checkup may be needed.
Examining the range of motion of your jaw.
- By sensing the shift in your jaw when your mouth opens and closes.
- By pressing the jaw’s surrounding area to locate the painful spot.
- You will be asked a bunch of questions concerning the condition of your teeth and jaw.
- You have to take several tests if your dentist senses a problem.
X-Ray – It will be helpful to look at your jaw and teeth.
CBCT scan- It is a type of 3D x-ray used for diagnosing TMJ by providing an accurate image of your teeth, jaw joints, and spine.
Electromyography (EMG) test– This test measures the activity of the muscles in your neck and head.
Joint Vibration Analysis – Sonography or a Joint Vibration Analysis exam will help the joints and provide additional insight of the jaw joints.
K7 Jaw Tracking – This can help in displaying the path that was taken by your jaw when it moves. The right muscle placement will also be identified.