TMJ disorder is a condition that occurs in 5% to 12% of adult people, according to the studies. The condition can cause a lot of discomfort and chronic pain, lead to various dental and general health issues, and reduce the quality of life. Our patients often ask: Why do TMJ disorders develop? In this article, we answer this question and discuss the most common treatment methods for this condition.

Why Do TMJ Disorders Develop?

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, or TMJ disorder, is a medical condition that causes jaw muscle tension and pain and stiffness, pain, and locking of the jaw. It can also lead to recurring headaches and back and neck pain. In some cases, it might be difficult to find the exact reason for TMJ disorder. However, the most common reasons for the issue include:

Bruxism—habitual and involuntary clenching and grinding of teeth, especially when sleeping. Bruxism leads to hypertension of the muscles around the jaw joint and uneven tooth wear. As a result, it can also cause difficulties with opening and closing the mouth when speaking and chewing food.
Teeth misalignment and irregular bite that lead to uneven force distribution when chewing food, therefore leading to muscle tension and joint wear
Various types of physical trauma that affect the joint and the surrounding muscles, or muscles in the neck. Such trauma can also lead to displacement of the disc in the joint or the joint’s cartilage damage.
The erosion of the joint or the disc due to various medical conditions
The misalignment of the joints

Risk Factors for TMJ Disorder

Patients are more likely to develop TMJ disorder if they have arthritis of various types or diseases of the connective tissue, sustained jaw injuries, or suffer from stress that leads to chronic bruxism. Also, females and patients between the ages of 20 to 40 are more prone to developing the condition.

Signs You Have TMJ Disorder

To establish an accurate diagnosis, please consult your doctor, who will conduct an appropriate examination. The symptoms of TMJ disorder might look different for different people, and sometimes similar symptoms can signify other medical conditions and not TMJ disorder. In general, however, the most common signs you have temporomandibular joint dysfunction include:

Difficulty opening and closing your mouth due to stiffness of the jaw
Clicking sound when opening and closing your mouth
Locking of the jaw in one position or inability to move the jaw
Recurring pain and soreness in the jaw
Recurring headaches, neck or back pain
Discomfort or pain in the jaw when chewing food or speaking
Tension or pain in the facial muscles or jaw muscles, especially in the morning
Recurring “ringing” in the ears
Pain in the ears with lack of ear infection
Dental health issues such as abnormal enamel wear or teeth sensitivity
Discomfort in the way the upper and lower jaw fit together
Recurring tingling sensation in fingers
Numbness in fingers

Treatment Options for TMJ Disorder

Treatment options for TMJ disorder include non-surgical and surgical procedures, depending on the cause of the issue, the severity of the case, and a patient’s general health considerations.

Non-surgical treatment options include:

Pain medications and anti-inflammatory medications
Certain types of antidepressants for pain, sleep, or bruxism management
Muscle relaxants for spasm and pain management in the muscles surrounding the joint
Wearing mouth guards during sleep can control bruxism, prevent teeth clenching and grinding, and relieve muscle tension and spasms.
Certain types of physical therapy to relieve muscle tension
Psychotherapy or counseling for stress management, muscle tension relief, and bruxism management
Arthrocentesis (joint aspiration) for reducing inflammation in the joint by promoting fluid movement
Injections of botulinum toxin type A or corticosteroid to relieve pain and tension in the muscles.

Surgical procedures for TMJ disorder treatment include:

TMJ arthroscopy to treat issues inside the joint
Modified condylotomy to restore the normal position of the disc and prompt healing of arthritic lesions
Open-joint surgery in cases when joint restoration or replacement is required (typically used when other methods prove to be ineffective)

In most cases, several treatment methods are combined to achieve the optimal results. For example, your doctor might recommend wearing a mouth guard in combination with anti-inflammatory medication and counseling to eliminate the stress that causes bruxism.

Make an Appointment Today

If you suffer from symptoms of TMJ disorder, do not hesitate to make an appointment with one of the dental specialists in Mission Viejo today. Our doctors will conduct a comprehensive examination to establish the cause of the issue and offer you a practical course of treatment. We are looking forward to welcoming you to the Dentist Mission Viejo dental office.