Q & A - Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

TMJ, TMD or TMJD - What is it and Is There A Cure?

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD, TMJ or TMD), or TMJ syndrome, is an umbrella term covering acute or chronic inflammation of the temporomandibular joint, which connects the mandible to the skull. The disorder and resultant dysfunction can result in significant pain and impairment.

Signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder vary in their presentation and can be very complex. Often the symptoms will involve more than one of the numerous TMJ components: muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, bones, connective tissue, and the teeth. Ear pain associated with the swelling of proximal tissue is a symptom of temporomandibular joint disorder. Temporomandibular joint disorder is sometimes mistaken from pain arising from impacted third molars.

Disorders of the teeth can contribute to TMJ disfunction. Impaired tooth mobility and tooth loss can be caused by destruction of the supporting bone and by heavy forces being placed on teeth. The movement of the teeth affects how they contact one another when the mouth closes, and the overall relationship between the teeth, muscles, and joints can be altered. Pulpitis, inflammation of the dental pulp, is another symptom that may result from excessive surface erosion What may be concluded is that there are various treatment modalities which a well-trained experienced dentist may employ to relieve symptoms and improve joint function. They include:

• Manual adjustment of the bite by grinding the teeth
  
• Mandibular repositioning splints which move the jaw, ligaments and muscles into a new position and myofunctional therapy
  
• Reconstructive dentistry
  
• Orthodontics
  
• Arthrocentesis (joint irrigation)
  
• Surgical repositioning of jaws to correct congenital jaw malformations such as prognathism and retrognathia
  
• Replacement of the jaw joint(s) or disc(s) with TMJ implants