What is TMJ? Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)

On average, 5 to 12 % of the adult population have some form of TMJ disorder. It is a condition more common among females than men and is likely to develop between the ages of 20 and 40. 

Although TMJ disorder is a widespread condition, there is limited awareness about it, leading to many doubts and misconceptions. For instance, some people may say they have a TMJ disorder when they actually mean TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders).

This blog will provide a comprehensive guide to what TMJ is, causes, symptoms, complications, treatment options, and prevention by gathering insights from our TMJ specialists at Bella Medical Centre. 

What is TMJ? 

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is like a hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull. It allows you to open and close your mouth, chew, speak, and move your jaw. Anatomically, it is located on each side of your head in front of your ears. It has bones, muscles, and a disc that works together for smooth movement.

TMJ disorders are issues or complications in the joint itself, its surrounding muscles, or the alignment of the jaw. These conditions can trigger pain or cause dysfunction in the jaw area, often making simple actions like chewing or speaking uncomfortable.

Are TMJ Disorder and TMD The Same? 

TMJ disorder and TMD (temporomandibular disorder) may refer to a similar condition but may have slightly different variations. They are both problems related to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the jaw area.

TMJ disorder refers to a dysfunction involving the temporomandibular joint itself. It suggests the problem is localized to the joint. Whereas TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders) is a much broader term, encompassing all conditions affecting not only the joint, but also the muscles that control the movement of the jaw and surrounding structures. That said, TMD covers joint problems, muscle pain, and other relevant issues in the jaw area. 

Simply put, TMJ disorder is a subset of TMD. TMD is the more comprehensive and medically preferred term.

Types of TMJ

Temporomandibular joint disorders can be categorized into different types based on the specific cause of the condition, the nature of the problem, and the complications involved. Some of the common types of TMJ disorder include: 

1. Myofascial Pain

Myofascial pain is one of the most common types of TMD that involves discomfort in the muscles controlling the movements of the jaw. This is often triggered by the tension of the muscles, stress, or overuse of the jaw.

2. Internal Derangement of the Joint

Internal derangement of the joint is a TMJ disorder caused by a displaced disc or a damaged ligament. It is characterised by the popping or clicking of the jaw when opening or closing the mouth.

3. Arthritis

Temporomandibular joint can experience inflammation from various forms of arthritis, including osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. This can result in pain, stiffness, and limited jaw movement.

Understanding these symptoms can help our doctors determine the primary cause of TMJ disorders, enabling them to adjust and tailor treatment plans depending on specific and unique underlying issues. 

Causes Of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

The exact cause of Temporomandibular joint disorders cannot be isolated. There are many factors or a combination of triggers that can lead to TMJ disorders. Some of them include: 

• Jaw injury (like a broken or dislocated jaw)

• Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)

• Arthritis in your jaw joint

• Improper teeth alignment (malocclusion)

• Stress

• Sprain or strain in the ligaments or soft tissues 

Only your doctor will be able to diagnose the main cause and suggest treatment options accordingly. 

Symptoms of TMJ 

The symptoms of TMJ disorder can vary depending on many factors, and may include: 

• Jaw pain

• Facial pain

• Shoulder or neck pain

• Stiffness in your jaw

• Difficulty opening or closing your mouth

• Jaw popping or clicking

• Headaches

• Migraines

• Earaches

• Toothache

• Tinnitus (ringing in your ears)

• Malocclusion (a shift in the positioning of your teeth)

Habits That Aggravate TMJ Pain 

Professional intervention or diagnosis of TMJ disorders or TMD is the first step in managing the pain or inconvenience caused by the dental condition. However, there are certain lifestyle changes you can do to prevent your condition from worsening. 

Here are habits you can avoid, so as not to aggravate TMJ pain.

• Use your teeth as tools, such as tearing tags off clothing or opening bottles. 

• Poor posture can place excess pressure on your neck, shoulder, and facial muscles.

• Chewing on pens, pencils, or other items is a common “nervous habit” behavior.

• Chewing on ice or chewing gum all the time. 

• Taking big bites of food can overwork the muscles in your jaws. 

• Daytime teeth clenching or grinding.

• Sleeping on your stomach.

Complications Related to TMJ 

Temporomandibular joint disorders can lead to many other complications, including chronic pain, limited chewing function, and bruxism-related wear and tear. This can cause severe discomfort and affect the overall quality of your life. 

It is always best to seek treatment when you suspect you may have TMD or if you expereince similar symptoms affecting your daily routine. 

When to See A Doctor 

If you have constant pain or tenderness in the jaw that occurs suddenly or while moving it, and if you can’t open and close the jaw properly, then seek medical attention immediately. 

It is also best to get a professional diagnosis if you experience symptoms of TMJ that may be affecting your quality of life. Our dentists and TMJ specialists at Bella Medical Centre can discuss possible causes and treatments.

Diagnosis of TMJ Disorders 

With the advancement of medical technology today, temporomandibular joint disorder treatment has become more efficient and offers many options to target specific causes. 

The TMJ disorders and TMD can be diagnosed during a dental checkup or physical examination. During this visit, they’ll:

• Observe your range of motion when opening and closing your mouth while assessing its proper functioning. 

• Feel around your jaw joints while you open and close your mouth.

• Press certain parts of your face and jaw to find areas that are sore.

Certain imaging tests may also be required to take a closer look at the jaw joints and the structures around them. These imaging tests may include dental X-rays, CT (computed tomography) scans, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), and TMJ arthroscopy (used for diagnosis and, in some cases, treatment).

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder Treatment Options 

Medications 

There are many over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications that can relieve TMJ symptoms. Some of them include 

• Pain relievers like acetaminophen.

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen.

• Muscle relaxers are particularly helpful for people who clench or grind their teeth. 

• Antidepressants can help with changing how your body interprets pain.

It is important to note that some medications for TMJ disorders may help manage jaw pain or address other symptoms, but can also trigger bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching). This is why it is highly-recommended that you talk to a specialist who can explain the symptoms of TMJ disorders and TMD. All things considered, they will also assess the risks and benefits of certain medications before prescribing them to you. 

To prevent contraindications, let your healthcare provider know if you’re currently taking any other medication for any other health conditions you may have.

Non-Surgical Options 

Nonsurgical treatment options include:

• Mouth Guards

Dental appliances like splints or mouth guards can place the jaw in a more favorable position and reduce the effects of grinding and clenching. They can be purchased over the counter, but it’s best to get one customized just for you. 

• Physical Therapy

Non-surgical treatment approaches to TMJ treatment include physical therapy in the form of exercises like stretching the jaw and strengthening the muscles around the jaw joints. 

• Trigger Point Injections

Trigger point injections include options like dry needling or using syringes to deliver corticosteroids or botulinum toxin (botox) into painful muscle knots in your jaw.

• Ultrasound Therapy

Ultrasound therapy treats TMJ disorders using sound waves to emit heat deep into your tissues, which helps to increase blood flow and promote muscle relaxation.

• Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a TMJ treatment option that uses low-level electrical currents to relax your jaw muscles.

• Behavioral changes

Lifestyle changes like adjusting posture and avoiding chewing on ice can help relieve symptoms of TMJ disorder. 

There are also many natural remedies for TMJ disorders available, such as hot and cold compresses, jaw exercises, massage therapy, stress management, dietary adjustments, avoiding harmful habits, and using essential oils. However, they are often only suitable as a short-term solution and may not be ideal for severe TMJ cases or jaw pain. 

Surgical Options 

Generally, surgical options for TMJ treatment are only opted as a last resort when medications and non-surgical approaches, have not worked. 

Surgical options for TMJ treatment include: 

• Arthrocentesis

Arthrocentesis is commonly done to find out why your jaw joint is sore. Depending on the condition, TMJ specialists or doctors may also remove fluid from your joint and ease your symptoms.

• TMJ Arthroscopy

TMJ Arthroscopy, also called keyhole surgery, involves making a small opening in front of the ear to insert a tube with a light attached. The tube is used to insert surgical instruments, allowing you to reshape bone, remove scar tissue, or reposition the disc in your joint.

• Open-joint Surgery

Dental specialist will perform an open-joint surgery if desired outcome from TMJ arthroscopy is not achieved. It is a slightly more invasive alternative, often requiring a long incision to access your jaw joint directly.

What to Expect After TMJ Surgery

Surgery for TMJ disorder involves general anesthesia and a short hospital confinement. Most of the time, you will be sent home the same day, at most stay overnight after the surgery. Generally, you will have a 2 to 6 week recovery period. 

You may experience numbness and temporary immobility on the surgery site. This is usually caused by the anesthetic (numbing medication) administered for your comfort and should only last for a few hours.

Swelling is a common and expected outcome after a TMJ surgery and will take 5-6 days to improve. You may also notice clicking in the jaw joint, which may not be present before. Rest assured, it is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about. 

Prevention and Maintenance Checklist for TMJ 

Here are a few things you can do to reduce the risk of developing TMJ disorders or TMD: 

• Wear a mouth guard at night if you clench or grind your teeth.

• Use a mouth guard when playing contact sports.

• Practise good posture.

• Reduce stress through mindfulness techniques like meditation.

Comprehensive Care for Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

At Bella Medical Centre, we specialise in diagnosing and treating temporomandibular joint disorders  with comprehensive care tailored to your needs. 

Our TMJ experts use advanced techniques and diagnostic tools to create personalized treatment plans that address key cause/s and ease symptoms. We provide solutions to alleviate  pain and improve jaw function to boost your quality of life.

Whether you need non-invasive therapies, custom mouthguards, or advanced surgical options, we are here to guide you every step of the way. Schedule a consultation with Bella Medical today, and let us help you discover the best way to manage TMJ effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the best treatment for TMJ? 

The best treatment for TMJ disorders can only be recommended by a dental specialist or healthcare provider who can thoroughly assess your condition. Generally, there are many medications, non-surgical options, and natural remedies you can try before opting for surgery. 

Can TMJ be caused by stress?

Yes. Stress and anxiety can lead to TMJ symptoms. It is also one of the common causes of TMJ disorders. For a proper diagnosis, please consult with a TMJ specialist. 

What is TMJ caused by?

Temporomandibular joint disorders are caused by many factors or sometimes even a combination of triggers. Some of the most common causes include jaw injury, teeth grinding (bruxism), arthritis in the jaw joint, malocclusion (misaligned bite), stress, muscle tension, poor posture, genetic predisposition, joint wear and tear, and connective tissue disorders.

Does TMJ ever fully heal? 

Yes, with accurate diagnosis and proper treatment or management, it is possible to fully heal TMJ disorders.

Does TMJ go away naturally?

Sometimes, mild TMJ symptoms may go away naturally. However, it is not always the case, especially if you are looking immediate solutions. It will also significantly depend on your specific condition. 

What is stage 3 TMJ?

Stage 3 TMJ is a severe form of the disorder, with advanced symptoms like chronic pain, limited jaw movement, and jaw locking. It may require more intensive treatments, such as physical therapy, medication, or surgery, depending on the severity.

Is TMJ a serious problem?

Most of the time, TMJ disorder is not a serious problem when treated or managed properly. On the other hand ignoring TMJ symptoms can lead to severe complications, potentially affecting the quality of life. 

At what age does TMJ occur? 

You can develop TMJ at any age. On average, it is more likely to develop between the ages of 20 and 40. It is also a more common occurrence among women than men. 

What is the 3 finger test for TMJ?

It is a test that is done to check for TMJ disorders in adults. If your mouth opens less than two finger widths, it may mean you have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction.

What happens if TMJ is left untreated? 

The temporomandibular joint is a complex joint in our body that allows for a wide range of movement. If there is something wrong with this joint, it can result in long-lasting damage to the joint itself. If left untreated, TMJ disorders can cause joint damage, making it difficult or impossible to open your mouth.

How to sleep with TMJ?

Sleeping on your back may help relieve jaw pain or discomfort from TMJ. 

Those who find it difficult to sleep on your back can use a supportive pillow to keep your neck and head in alignment. You can also try gently stretching your jaw before bedtime.

How long will TMJ last? 

In some cases, TMJ symptoms or related jaw pain will go away on its own. For severe cases, it 

can last several months or even years.

How to cure TMJ immediately? 

There are many natural remedies that can help alleviate TMJ symptoms without medications or surgeries. Some of them include therapies and lifestyle changes. Relief may be immediate and temporary. It is always best to talk to a dental specialist to get personalised health advice regarding your TMJ condition.