Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

Also called: TMD, TMJ syndrome, Temporomandibular disorders

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to the side of your head. When it works well, it enables you to talk, chew, and yawn. For people with TMJ dysfunction, problems with the joint and muscles around it may cause

  • Pain that travels through the face, jaw, or neck
  • Stiff jaw muscles
  • Limited movement or locking of the jaw
  • Painful clicking or popping in the jaw
  • A change in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together

Jaw pain may go away with little or no treatment. Treatment may include simple things you can do yourself, such as eating soft foods or applying ice packs. It may also include pain medicines or devices to insert in your mouth. In rare cases, you might need surgery.

NIH: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research

Symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

The following features are indicative of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction:
  • pain or tenderness of your jaw
  • pain in one or both of the temporomandibular joints
  • aching pain in and around your ear
  • difficulty in chewing or pain while chewing
  • aching facial pain
  • locking of the joint

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Common Causes of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

The following are the most common causes of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction:
  • genetic factors
  • arthritis
  • jaw injury
  • disk erodes or moves out of its proper alignment

Risk Factors for Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction:
  • rheumatoid arthritis
  • osteoarthritis
  • jaw injury
  • long-term grinding or clenching of teeth

Prevention of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

Yes, it may be possible to prevent Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
  • follow good lifestyle changes
  • eat food slowly

Occurrence of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Very common > 10 Million cases

Common Age Group

Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction most commonly occurs in the following age group:
  • Aged between 20-50 years

Common Gender

Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction can occur in any gender.

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction:
  • Physical exam: Observe the range of motion in the jaw
  • CT scan: To see the detailed images of the bones involved in the joint
  • MRI: To reveal the problems with the joint's disk
  • Arthroscopy: To diagnose TMJ disorder

Doctor for Diagnosis of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction:
  • Oral medicine specialist

Complications of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction if untreated

Yes, Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction is left untreated:
  • anxiety
  • depression
  • somatization
  • sleep deprivation

Procedures for Treatment of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

The following procedures are used to treat Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction:
  • Arthrocentesis: Removes the debris and inflammatory by products
  • Modified condylotomy: Surgery on the mandible that helpful for treatment of pain
  • Open-joint surgery: To repair or replace the joint

Self-care for Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction:
  • Avoid sedentary lifestyle: Examining the effects of stressors to learn how lifestyle changes can decrease pain

Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction:
  • Acupuncture: Treats chronic pain
  • Relaxation techniques: Relax the tense muscles

Time for Treatment of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
  • In 3 - 6 months

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction.

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