What is the classification of the TMJ?

TMJ is a synovial, condylar and hinge-type joint. The joint involves fibrocartilaginous surfaces and an articular disc which divides the joint into two cavities.

How many TMJ disorders are there?

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are a group of more than 30 conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement. “TMDs” refers to the disorders, and “TMJ” refers only to the temporomandibular joint itself.

What are the two basic types of movement of the TMJ?

MOVEMENTS OF THE TMJ

The basic anatomical function of the mandible is to: 1) open and close; 2) protrusion and retru- sion; and 3) lateral deviation which are provided through two types of basic movements. These movements are termed rotation and translation. Rotation occurs in the lower portion of the joint.

What is the most common type of TMD?

Myofascial pain.

This is the most common form of TMD. It results in discomfort or pain in the connective tissue covering the muscles (fascia) and the muscles that control jaw, neck, and shoulder function.

What is the most common cause of TMJ?

Sometimes the main cause is excessive strain on the jaw joints and the muscle group that controls chewing, swallowing, and speech. This strain may be a result of bruxism. This is the habitual, involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth.

What causes TMJ disorder?

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders are conditions affecting the jaw joints and surrounding muscles and ligaments. It can be caused by trauma, an improper bite, arthritis or wear and tear. Common symptoms include jaw tenderness, headaches, earaches and facial pain.

What type of arthritis causes TMJ?

The incidence of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement in inflammatory arthritis is often underestimated, and experience in treatment among rheumatologists is limited. Three conditions have an affinity toward the TMJ: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PA), and ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

How is TMJ disorder diagnosed?

If your doctor or dentist suspects a problem, you may need: Dental X-rays to examine your teeth and jaw. CT scan to provide detailed images of the bones involved in the joint. MRI to reveal problems with the joint’s disk or surrounding soft tissue.

What is myogenic TMD?

Myogenic TMD, the more common form, only involves functional alterations of the masticatory muscles around the TMJ without TMJ problems. It usually occurs in persons with high stress and is caused by nocturnal bruxism (teeth grinding) or day- or nighttime teeth clenching.

Is TMJ a medical or dental problem?

TMJ Disorders Can Be Both Medical and Dental Problems

Arthritis is another medical condition that can lead to a TMJ disorder. However, TMJ disorders can also be a dental problem by nature, especially when it is caused by an underlying problem with a person’s teeth.

Is TMJ disorder permanent?

Fortunately, TMJ disorder is not irreversible. With proper care and treatment, you can cure it permanently. In most cases (especially mild to moderate ones) you don’t need to seek professional help, as there are ways to manage the pain, and even make it go away.

Is TMJ disorder serious?

After being diagnosed with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), many of our Nashville, TN, patients ask, “Is TMJ disorder serious?” The answer is that although the condition is not life-threatening, it can have significant negative effects on your dental and overall health.

What will happen if TMJ is not treated?

Although not life threatening, if TMJ disorder is left untreated, it can contribute to significant discomfort and tension. Chronic pain can even lead to the development of diseases like anxiety and depression.

What treatment is used for TMJ?

“There are a wide variety of potential treatments for TMJ, including self-management, physical therapy, medications, occlusal adjustments, intraoral appliances, and surgery. Evidence based clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of TMJs do not currently exist, despite the fact that treatment is common.

Is TMJ disorder curable?

In some cases, the symptoms of TMJ disorders may go away without treatment. If your symptoms persist, your doctor may recommend a variety of treatment options, often more than one to be done at the same time.

What is the best medicine to take for TMJ?

The best medicines for TMJ pain are over-the-counter painkillers and anti-inflammatories, such as Tylenol and ibuprofen. In some extreme circumstances, a dentist may prescribe something stronger, but even then it’s likely to be a prescription ibuprofen, not opioid painkiller.

How do you diagnose TMJ?

How are TMJ disorders diagnosed?
  1. X-rays. X-rays of the jaw and teeth usually involve you biting down on a small mouthpiece as your dentist moves an imaging machine around your head. …
  2. CT scan. A CT scan of the jaw allows your doctor to see the bones and joint tissues in a more advanced way than a regular X-ray.
  3. MRI.

Which muscle relaxer is best for TMJ?

An example of a muscle relaxant used for TMJ disorders is diazepam (eg, Valium). Tricyclic anti-depressants can help relieve pain caused by a TMJ disorder.