T.M.J / Jaw Joint

T.M.J / Jaw Joint

The T.M.J. jaw joint (Temporomandibular joint) connects the lower jaw to the skull and plays an important role in lower jaw movements. After an incompatibility in this joint, pain and dysfunction occur in the chewing muscles.

Symptoms of Jaw Joint Disorder

T.M.J / Jaw joint disorder can manifest itself with a wide variety of symptoms. Since these symptoms manifest themselves in different parts of the body, they are sometimes referred to different departments, most often to the ear-nose-throat because of ear complaints.

• Headache
• Pain in the face area
• Frequent tinnitus
• Pain when closing the teeth
• Squeaking - crunching sounds when opening and closing the jaw
• Dislocation of the jaw
• Incomplete opening or locking of the jaw
• Jaw fatigue due to chewing
• Asymmetric appearance on the face
• Difficulty when yawning
• There may be complaints such as pain in the neck and back.
• Diagnosis of the disorder

For the treatment of jaw joint disorder, the problem in the joint must first be detected. For this reason, an examination should be performed by a specialist doctor and some tests should be applied. Tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are imaging methods that will help in this regard.

T.M.J / Jaw Joint Treatment

Different treatment methods are applied in pincer joint disorder. The method to be applied here may also be aimed at eliminating the underlying cause of the disorder. In this way, treatment can be both more successful and permanent. In the treatment process, firstly, the patient is recommended a massage with a slightly warm cloth, painkillers and muscle relaxants. The aim here is to both reduce pain and prevent muscle spasm. As a treatment, hard plaques prepared individually and placed in the mouth are also applied. These plates, called occlusal splints, not only prevent teeth clenching and grinding, but also provide healing by guiding the jaw joint movements by moving the teeth on small, inclined ramps in right-left and front-back movements.

In addition to these methods, arthrocentesis and surgical interventions can also be preferred for treatment. Surgical interventions are mostly preferred in cases that are too late for treatment, but of course, it is decided by the doctor depending on the situation.

Things to Consider During and After Treatment

The treatment process should be very sensitive and compliance with the points specified by the doctor is very important for the success of the treatment. Especially activities that tire the jaw should be avoided. Even biting movement should not be done. In this process, it is important to take small pieces of food into the mouth. Chewing should be done evenly in the mouth, and it is also recommended that the patient is away from stress.