TMJ Disorders

Temporomandibular Joint links the lower jaw to the upper jaw and is located in front of the ear.  It connects your jawbone to your skull. The 2 bony structures are separated by a cartilage disc.                   

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders occur as a result of the displacement or damage of this disc. It is highly prevalent in the society, especially among women.

General Symptoms:

1. Pain due to opening and/or closing of the mouth

2. Joint sounds (click, clack) when opening and/or closing the mouth

3. Feeling of fatigue in the jaw area (especially when the patient wakes up and/or chewing)

4. Frequent headaches

5. Restricted opening of the mouth or mouth locked and deflection/deviation of the lower jaw while opening the mouth fully.

6. Ringing in the ears (tinnitus), feeling of obstructed or clogged ears (can be confused with ear pain)

7.  Feeling of asymmetry in the right and left side of the jaw during occlusion

8. Head and neck muscle pain and asymmetrical outlook reflected by the effects of the problem                         

The cause of this disorder is multifactorial:

1. The most frequently observed parameter is tooth clenching and/or grinding (bruxism). This habit causes destructive overloads not only on the teeth and the surrounding tissue but also on the temporomandibular joint. These harmful forces lead to the displacements and degeneration of the disc.

2. Trauma to the jaw bones and the joint (traffic accidents, direct strikes to the jaw, ..etc.)

3. The conditions causing an imbalance in occlusion (tooth loss, incompatible teeth/restorations, orthodontic disorders, chewing on one side)

4. Occlusal parafunctions (nail biting, pen biting, incorrect posture, ..etc.)

5. Joint disorders causing temporomandibular joint degeneration

6. Anatomical and genetic predisposition              

Diagnosis can be usually done by a specialist physician with a detailed examination. During the examination, the physician examines the chewing muscles, the temporomandibular joint, the surfaces of the teeth and the closure, the marks observed on the tongue and cheeks, the joint movements when opening and closing the mouth, and whether there is deviation while opening the mouth fully. In some cases, additional imaging methods (MRI, tomography, etc.) may be required.

The treatment approach for this disorder is usually multidisciplinary. Treatment options include information, education, and training programs for the patients about their problem, usage of intraoral appliances (occlusal splints), physical therapy (exercise and manipulation), medication, psychological support in the presence of stress, and surgical treatment if necessary.