TMJ is an acronym for temporomandibular joint.  This joint is found in front of either side of the ear right where the upper and lower jaws meet.  The TMJ is a typical ball and socket joint that allows you to open and close the mouth, frequently used in many everyday activities such as biting, chewing, talking and yawning.  The bones, muscles and tendons are all components that make up the temporomandibular joints.  When these elements are relaxed, you can comfortably perform all functions with no risk of pain.  However, it is possible that the joints can dysfunction and cause you some discomfort.

Temporomandibular joint disorder can take the form of one of many problems afflicting the jaw joint.  This disorder is also known as Costen’s syndrome and myofacial pain dysfunction.  When the joints and muscles do not work together, it can lead to any number of problems with the jaw including bite problems, clicking sounds, ear pain, headaches, locked jaws and stiffness.  Many jaw problems can lead to temporomandibular joint disorder such as dental problems and misalignment of the teeth, gum chewing or fingernail biting on a habitual basis, jaw trauma such as fractures, stress and teeth clenching or grinding.  You can also develop temporomandibular joint disorder through other habits such as constantly holding a phone between the head and shoulder.

The symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder tend to be chronic.  Some symptoms include dizziness, ear pain, fullness of the ear, headaches, ringing in the ear or tinnitus and sounds such as crunching, grinding and popping.  They usually occur due to overusing the jaw muscles, spasms or unbalanced activity.  The symptoms sometimes do not appear to be related to temporomandibular joint disorder and treatment usually targets the elements that cause the symptoms.  Dental and medical tests can help determine if you suffer from TMJ disorder.

When symptoms are present, a doctor may use computerized tomography and dental x-rays to make a bony evaluation of the joint’s details.  Magnetic resonance imaging allows the doctor to analyze the soft tissue.  Should the doctor discover that you do indeed suffer from temporomandibular joint disorder, you will receive treatment to help alleviate the pain via anti-inflammatory medications, heat and ice and a soft diet.  You will also have to follow other orders with your treatment regimen such as getting plenty of jaw rest.  You may also have to undergo physical therapy or stress management.  Other methods include corrective dental therapy, occlusal therapy and surgery.

Most patients who suffer from temporomandibular joint disorder report common symptoms such as ear pain and headache.  Less than half usually report the dizziness, fullness of the ear or ringing in the ear.  It is important to seek medical help if you experience any symptoms or suspect you have temporomandibular joint disorder.  However, some may recommend that you avoid pursuing treatments that will permanently change your bite or your jaw.  No matter what type of treatment you prefer, you should know that it is not necessary to suffer the pain of TMJ.

Contact our office in Fremont, CA for a consultation with Preet Sahota, DDS so she can explain how she can help you with your TMJ problem.