The temporomandibular joint or TMJ is a small joint located in front of the ear where the skull and lower jaw meet which allows the lower jaw (mandible) to move and function. TMJ disorders are problems relating to your complex jaw joint which cause an array of symptoms such as earaches, headaches, limited ability to open the mouth, clicking or grating sounds in the joint or pain when opening and closing the mouth.
Do you have a TMJ disorder?
- Are you aware of grinding or clenching your teeth?
- Do you wake up with sore, stuff muscles around your jaws?
- Do you have frequent headaches or neck aches?
- Does the pain get worse when you clench your teeth?
- Does stress make your clenching and pain worse?
- Does your jaw click, pop, grate or lock when you open your mouth?
- Is it difficult or painful to open your mouth, eat or yawn?
- Have you ever injured your neck, head or jaws?
- Have you had problems (such as arthritis) with your joints?
- Do you have teeth that no longer touch when you bite?
- Do your teeth meet differently from time to time?
- Is it hard to use your front teeth to bite or tear food?
- Are your teeth sensitive, loose, broken or worn?
The more times you answered “yes,” the more likely it is that you may have a TMJ disorder.
What causes TMJ disorders?
Arthritis, injury or grinding of the teeth at night can cause TMJ disorders. Another common cause involves displacement or dislocation of the disc that is located between the jaw bone and the socket. Stress may trigger pain in the jaw that seems very similar to the pain of a TMJ disorder. Frequent clenching or grinding of the teeth at night may cause painful spasms in the muscles, making it difficult to move the lower jaw. Patients may also experience these stress-related muscular problems along with joint problems. That is why diagnosing TMJ disorders can be complex and may require special diagnostic procedures.
Our office has state-of the-art equipment to take specialized radiographs called tomograms of your temporomandibular joint to aid in the diagnosis of TMJ disorders. Determining the cause of a TMJ problem is important because it is the cause that guides the prescribed treatment. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are specialists in the area of the mouth, teeth, and jaws and are therefore in a good position to diagnose your problem.
Treatment of TMJ Disorders
Treatment of TMJ problems may range from conservative dental and medical care to complex surgery. Depending on the diagnosis, Dr. Partridge may prescribe short-term medications for pain and muscle relaxation, bite plate or splint therapy, and possibly stress management counseling. If non-surgical options are unsuccessful or joint damage joint is evident, surgery may be indicated to repair damaged tissue. Treatment of TMJ disorders always works the best with a team approach of the patient’s self-care combined with professional care.
Since some types of TMJ problems can lead to more serious conditions, early detection and treatment are important. No one treatment can resolve TMJ disorders completely and treatment takes time to become effective. Dr. Partridge can help you have a healthier and more comfortable jaw.
Total Temporomandibular Joint Replacement
In some instances where non-surgical TMJ treatment options are unsuccessful, the joint may need to be replaced. In these cases, Dr. Partridge is able to offer a total joint prosthesis that is designed to replace a compromised temporomandibular joint. This prothesis has been designed by Biomet Microfixation and is the only FDA-approved non-custom TMJ implant system on the market. Dr. Partridge is currently the only doctor in the state of Indiana that is trained to place this prosthesis, enabling him to diagnose and develop the best and most comprehensive treatment plan for TMJ patients.