Female holding her right temporomandibular joint (TMJ) because of radiating pain going up her right temple

How do I know I have

TMJ Dysfunction

?

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, also known as TMJ disorder or TMJD, is a condition that affects the temporomandibular joint, which connects the jawbone to the skull. It encompasses a range of problems that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and muscles controlling jaw movement.

Common symptoms of TMJ dysfunction include jaw pain, difficulty in opening or closing the mouth, clicking or popping sounds when moving the jaw, headaches, earaches, and facial pain.

Female holding her left jaw muscle because of radiating pain going up her left jaw masseter and tempolaris muscle

male holding his left jaw muscle because of radiating pain going up his left jaw masseter and tempolaris muscle

Why do people get

TMJ Dysfunction

?

The exact causes of TMJ dysfunction can vary but may include factors like teeth grinding, jaw clenching, arthritis, injury to the jaw, or misalignment of the jaw or teeth. Treatment approaches can include lifestyle changes, physical therapy, dental appliances, pain management, and, in severe cases, surgery.

Photo of an elderly female holding her right Temporomandibular joint.

What if

TMJ Dysfunction

is left untreated?

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, if left untreated, can gradually worsen and lead to further issues. Early diagnosis and management help prevent these symptoms from becoming chronic and harder to treat.

Dental issues

TMJ dysfunction can lead to problems in the alignment and positioning of the upper and lower teeth. This can lead to excessive force or movements being placed on certain teeth, which in turn may lead to pain, wear or fracture of teeth.

Worsening jaw function

TMJ dysfunction can lead to significant deterioration in the ability for the jaw joint to move or function correctly. In some cases, the condition of the joint deteriorates to a point where surgery may be required to attempt to resolve the problem.

Chronic pain

TMJ dysfunction can cause significant pain from either the jaw muscles or joint. In some cases, these symptoms can worsen and become harder to treat over time.

Treatment approaches for

TMJ Dysfunction

There are several approaches to managing TMJ dysfunction. Choosing the right approach depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition.

Surgical interventions

In severe cases, you may need treatment with a maxillofacilal surgeon to treat the jaw joint surgically to correct underlying issues.

Medications

Your dentist or specialist may recommend medications to help with relief of pain and inflammation, muscle relaxants or a combination of these. These can be either in the form of tablets or injections.

Dental appliances

Dental appliances for TMJ dysfunction include bite splints, mouthguards, or orthodontic devices. They help alleviate symptoms by promoting proper jaw alignment, reducing teeth clenching or grinding, and relieving pressure on the temporomandibular joint.

Physiotherapy

Your dentist or specialist may recommend visiting a physiotherapist with special interest in TMJ treatment for physical therapy, and exercises to improve supporting muscles.

Self-care

Measures like eating soft foods, applying ice or heat, and avoiding jaw-clenching habits can improve TMJD symptoms.

Possible
Solutions

FAQ's about

TMJ Dysfunction

Other Resources

These links provide additional information, tools or resources for those interested in exploring more.

TMJ Disorder

Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

Book an Appointment

Book Online

Call Us

Getting Here

Open hours

Monday

8:00am - 5:00pm

Tuesday

8:30am - 7:30pm

Wednesday

9:00am - 5:00pm

Thursday

9:00am - 6:30pm

Friday

7:30am - 5:00pm

Saturday

8:00am - 1:00pm

TMJ Dysfunction

How do I know I have

TMJ Dysfunction

?

Why do people get

TMJ Dysfunction

?

What if

TMJ Dysfunction