TMJ disorder

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) acts much like a ball and socket joint. You have one joint on each side of your jaw and they connect your jaw to the bottom of your skull. The muscles near them allow you to open and close your mouth. Sometimes the joints get out of line or don’t move as they should.

Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) refers to a group of health problems related to your jaw. These disorders can cause tenderness at the joint, facial pain, and difficulty moving the joint.

For most people, pain in the area of the jaw joint or muscles does not signal a serious problem. Discomfort from these conditions is occasional and temporary, often occurring in cycles. Sometimes it goes away on its own. Some people, however, develop significant, long-term symptoms.

 

What causes it?

There is a multitude of factors that go into TMJ pain. In most cases, a primary care physician who undergoes the initial primary assessment will refer patients to our South Beach Clinic specialist team.

 

Symptoms of a TMJ disorder

The muscle tension and inflammation caused by TMJ Disorder can lead to a range of symptoms. If you experience one or more of the symptoms listed, contact us to schedule an appointment.

  • Sore jaw or pain in jaw under ear

  • Difficulty chewing or opening your jaw

  • Clicking jaw or popping sounds when chewing or opening your mouth

  • Stiff muscles in your jaw

  • Locked jaw

  • Aching neck and shoulders

  • Throbbing temples or headache

  • Ringing ears, sore ear or earache

  • A bad bite, or a change in how your teeth fit together

  • If the only symptom you’re experiencing is pain, you may still have TMJ Disorder, but it’s also possible that you’re dealing with another issue.

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Diagnosis & treatment

Once the primary assessment has taken place we will carry out a detailed medical and dental history and examine problem areas. Tests and X-rays like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or a computerised tomography (CT scan), can help us examine your jaws, temporomandibular joints and teeth. 

After a comprehensive evaluation, our team of multi-disciplinary specialists will collaborate to provide a TMD treatment strategy. In most cases, treatment is simple, non-invasive and conservative.

In very rare cases, a patient may require undergoing minor oral surgery to carry out repair work to the TMJ. If surgery is needed, our oral and maxillofacial surgeons have extensive experience in the full range of TMJ surgical procedures, from arthroscopic surgery to open-joint surgery.

What to do if you think you have a TMJ disorder?

If you are suffering from any of the conditions listed above, contact us to schedule a consultation to accurately diagnose your concerns. We will help put your mind at ease and suggest a course of treatment that will deliver the best outcome possible.