Temporomandibular joint dysfunction

Disorder of the jaw joints

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction
Synonyms	TMJ disorder, TMD
Specialty	Dentistry, Oral and maxillofacial surgery, Otolaryngology
Symptoms	Jaw pain, difficulty chewing, clicking and locking of the jaw
Complications	Chronic pain, difficulty eating
Causes	Bruxism, Arthritis, jaw injury, genetics
Diagnosis	Clinical examination, imaging studies
Differential diagnosis	Trigeminal neuralgia, Giant cell arteritis, Dental abscess
Treatment	Medications, physical therapy, occlusal splints, surgery
Medication	NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, corticosteroids

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD), also known as TMJ disorder, is a condition affecting the temporomandibular joints, which connect the jawbone to the skull. These joints are essential for chewing, speaking, and other jaw movements. TMD can cause significant discomfort and impair daily activities.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of TMD include:

• Jaw pain or tenderness
• Difficulty or discomfort while chewing
• Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint
• Locking of the jaw, making it difficult to open or close the mouth
• Headaches
• Ear pain or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

Causes

The exact cause of TMD is often difficult to determine. However, several factors may contribute to the development of this condition, including:

• Bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching)
• Arthritis in the temporomandibular joint
• Jaw injury or trauma
• Genetic predisposition
• Stress, which can lead to muscle tension and jaw clenching

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of TMD typically involves a combination of:

• Clinical examination by a healthcare professional
• Patient history and symptom assessment
• Imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to evaluate the joint and surrounding structures

Treatment

Treatment for TMD varies depending on the severity and underlying cause of the condition. Common treatment options include:

• Medications such as NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, and corticosteroids to reduce pain and inflammation
• Physical therapy to improve jaw function and reduce muscle tension
• Occlusal splints or mouthguards to prevent teeth grinding and clenching
• Surgical interventions in severe cases, such as arthrocentesis, arthroscopy, or open-joint surgery

Complications

If left untreated, TMD can lead to chronic pain and difficulty eating, which can significantly impact a person's quality of life.

See also

• Bruxism
• Arthritis
• Trigeminal neuralgia
• Giant cell arteritis
• Dental abscess