What is Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction?

The temporomandibular joint is the joint responsible for attaching the jaw to the skull. This joint makes actions such as talking, yawning, and chewing possible. When this joint does not work properly, either due to injury or natural disease processes, the resulting medical condition is known as temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Common symptoms include jaw pain, headache, or difficulty moving the jaw. Some common treatment options include lifestyle changes, dental procedures, and the use of over-the-counter or prescription medications, although surgical intervention may become necessary in severe cases.

The first step of treating temporomandibular joint dysfunction is obtaining an accurate diagnosis and finding the originating cause. Physical trauma, such as a direct blow to the face, is easy to diagnose. Other contributing factors, such as joint problems or misaligned teeth, may be a little more difficult to diagnose without proper testing. Even severe stress or anxiety have the potential to cause temporomandibular joint dysfunction.

While virtually any medical doctor can diagnose this condition, most cases of temporomandibular joint dysfunction are diagnosed and treated by a dentist. During the visit, a physical evaluation will be performed to check for dental problems or other medical issues that may be causing symptoms. Further tests, often including x-rays, may be performed in order to confirm the diagnosis.

In many cases, temporomandibular joint dysfunction can be treated with lifestyle changes. For instance, the patient may be advised to cut food into smaller pieces to make chewing easier. If the person has a habit of teeth grinding, special appliances may be used when sleeping to avoid this common cause of temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Relaxation techniques may be helpful in those who experience a lot of stress or anxiety that leads to clenching of the jaw.

Over-the-counter pain medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen may help to relieve some of the discomfort caused by temporomandibular joint dysfunction. In some cases, prescription-strength pain medications may be needed instead. Muscle relaxants may also be prescribed, especially at bedtime, in order to prevent muscle spasms and help control pain. In more severe cases, medication may be injected directly into the jaw.

If more conservative treatment options have failed, surgical intervention may become necessary. In patients who experience frequent locking of the jaw, surgery may be performed to remove some of the fluid from the jaw in an effort to provide relief from pain. In other cases, the disc between the jaw and the skull may need to be repaired or removed.