TMJD Management

Service Description

Introduction: Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction is an alteration of the structures that compose the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The temporomandibular joints are those that connect your lower jaw to the skull and are composed of bone, muscle and joint structures. There are two matching joints, one on each side of the head, located just in front of the ears. In fact, these joints are among some of the most frequently used joints in the body, put to use when we talk, chew, yawn, swallow and sneeze. The TMJ disorder occurs when these joints and/or muscles and ligaments that support them are injured, causing dysfunction and pain. The TMJ syndrome is widely regarded as the most common cause of facial pain, after toothache. Studies reflect a higher incidence of the disease in younger adults, especially in women aged 20-40 years of age. TMJD – Signs and Symptoms: Symptoms of the TMJ syndrome are studied largely in direct context of the joint structures affected. Here we list the main ones along with their specific locations: 1) Teeth and Mouth: Bruxism (tightening or grinding of teeth), loose or fragile teeth perception, discomfort while chewing, dry mouth, hot or scalded mouth. 2) Mandibular problems: Joint noises or snaps, jaw muscle pain, limitation in the mouth’s openness, jaw displacement while opening mouth, dislocations or blocks while opening/closing mouth, swollen muscles. 3) Facial pain or Headache: Frontal area headaches, false migraine, nasal obstruction, pain the back/top area of the head. 4) Eyes: Pain, photophobia, altered vision. 5) Ear: Noises, loss of hearing, earache, itching, vertigo. 6) Throat: Burning, inflammation, congestion, difficulty in swallowing 7) Neck and back: Muscular inflammation, reduced mobility Others: Tingling sensation in arms and hands, fatigue, depression Causes of TMJD: TMJD is widely regarded as a multifactor syndrome, having a number of contributory factors that might be a cause of the condition. These include: • Genetic predisposition • Bruxism (habit of grinding teeth) • Whiplash injury • Thumb sucking • Jaw abnormalities/missing teeth • Birth/Congenital trauma • Psychological factors Treatment: The health care providers generally follow four types of treatment for the TMJ Syndrome: Physical treatment Physical treatment for TMJ syndrome normally includes thermo therapy (hot/cold), freezing sprays, physiotherapy (massages/exercises), Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and ultrasound.

Contact Details

• 3654 Keswick Blvd SW, Edmonton, AB, Canada