Description Temporomandibular d...
Description
Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are problems that can affect the jaw joint or the muscles of the face used in chewing. About 20% to 30% of people have TMD symptoms. Women are more than three times as likely as men to have them. There are several types of TMDs. Most TMDs are related to sore muscles that sometimes have spasms. They can be caused by trauma to the jaw, tension, stress, poor tooth alignment (malocclusion) and arthritis or tumors of the jaw joint. Clenching or grinding of teeth and gum chewing may contribute to jaw-related problems.
Symptoms
TMDs have several symptoms. A common symptom is pain or tenderness in front of the ear when chewing, speaking or opening the mouth. Occasionally, the jaw may become stuck open or closed, or feel stuck. Facial muscle spasms or headaches may occur. Headaches tend to start in front of the ear and spread to the head or neck. Opening or closing the mouth may cause clicking, popping or cracking sounds.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. The dentist will look at the way the jaw moves, examine teeth for signs of clenching or grinding, feel for tenderness around the jaw joint and muscles, and listen to the jaw using a stethoscope. Imaging tests may be performed to help determine if the problem involves the jaw joint or the ligaments, tendons or muscles around it.
Other Specific Tests: X-ray, CT scan, MRI
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT), Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dentistry, Dentistry - Pediatric
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. The dentist will look at the way the jaw moves, examine teeth for signs of clenching or grinding, feel for tenderness around the jaw joint and muscles, and listen to the jaw using a stethoscope. Imaging tests may be performed to help determine if the problem involves the jaw joint or the ligaments, tendons or muscles around it.
Other Specific Tests: X-ray, CT scan, MRI
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT), Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dentistry, Dentistry - Pediatric
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause. TMDs related to sore muscles can be treated with soft diet, physical therapy, stress reduction, or a mouth guard made by a dental professional. Medicines may be prescribed to ease pain, inflammation or tight muscles. If these treatments do not help, minimally invasive surgery may be an option. With proper care and control of habits, TMDs symptoms should go away. Sometimes this happens in less than a month. Relieving TMD symptoms caused by underlying medical conditions, such as arthritis, may take longer.