Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ, TMJD or TMD) involves
conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint, jaw muscles and nerves
on one or both sides of the head that result in jaw, face, and head and
neck pain.
The pain and discomfort caused by TMJ disorders may be severe, can be
either intermittent or constant, and may last for many years. According
to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), TMD symptoms may recur
during stressful times, whether good or bad.
Categories of TMJ Disorder
According to the TMJ Association, Ltd. – a non-profit organization
that serves patients, medical/dental professionals and the general
public through education, social and advocacy programs – there are three
categories of TMJ disorders. A person may have one or more type of TMD
condition simultaneously.
TMJ conditions include:
Myofacial Pain. This is the most common TMD condition that involves discomfort and pain in the muscles that control jaw movement.
Internal Derangement. This TMJ disorder is
associated with a displaced disc in the jaw joint, a dislocated jaw or
an injury to the condyle, which is the part of the lower jaw that acts
like a hinge.
Arthritis. This TMD pain involves degenerative and inflammatory joint conditions.
Treatments for TMJ Disorder: Conservative is Key
Conservative is the key word when it comes to TMJ treatment. Most
treatments for TMJ symptoms are simple and can be done at home, without
the need for surgery. The most severe cases may require treatment with
splints, mouth guards or other traditional forms of TMD therapy.
Regardless of the treatment prescribed for you, it is important that
you follow your dentist's instructions. You should also keep up with
routine dental visits so your dentist can regularly monitor your TMJ
symptoms.
In addition, the TMJ Association advises patients to keep in mind
that there is currently no evidence to suggest that TMJ disorders can be
prevented. Therefore, caution is advised regarding any treatment(s)
presented as providing this benefit.
