Temporomandibular joint dysfunction
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Disorder of the jaw joints
| Temporomandibular joint dysfunction | |
|---|---|
| [[File:|250px|alt=|]] | |
| Synonyms | TMJ disorder, TMD |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Field | Dentistry, Oral and maxillofacial surgery, Otolaryngology |
| Symptoms | Jaw pain, difficulty chewing, clicking and locking of the jaw |
| Complications | Chronic pain, difficulty eating |
| Onset | |
| Duration | |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Bruxism, Arthritis, jaw injury, genetics |
| Risks | |
| Diagnosis | Clinical examination, imaging studies |
| Differential diagnosis | Trigeminal neuralgia, Giant cell arteritis, Dental abscess |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Medications, physical therapy, occlusal splints, surgery |
| Medication | NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, corticosteroids |
| Prognosis | |
| Frequency | |
| Deaths | |
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
If left untreated, TMD can lead to chronic pain and difficulty eating, which can significantly impact a person's quality of life.
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
External links[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
