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Procedures

TMJ Dysfunction

TMJ Dysfunction
TMJ Dysfunction

TMJ Dysfunction

TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction is related to the jaw joint and muscles that control it. The TMJ acts like a sliding hinge, connecting your jaw to your skull. With TMJ dysfunction, the joints of the jaw and the chewing muscles do not work together correctly. The exact cause of TMJ disorders can be difficult to determine and may be because of a number of factors such as injury, arthritis, or genetics.

TMJ Dysfunction

How Common Is TMJ Dysfunction?

5-12% of adults experience disorders in their temporomandibular joint

How Common Is TMJ Dysfunction?

TMJ dysfunction is more prevalent in younger persons and women

What’s The Connection?

  • Women using estrogen supplements or oral contraceptives are more likely to experience TMJ disorders
 

Treating TMJ Dysfunction with Argyle Associates

At Argyle Associates, our experienced Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons can help relieve you from the pain and discomfort caused by TMJ disorders. Depending on the severity of your TMJ disorder, symptoms might be relieved with nonsurgical treatments however for more chronic and severe cases surgery can be effective. For these more severe cases, your dentist, orthodontist, and OMFS will work together to determine whether you are a candidate for corrective jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery. If you are experiencing TMJ disorder symptoms and believe you require treatment, contact Argyle Associates today.
 
TMJ Dysfunction

TMJ Dysfunction FAQ

Common symptoms of TMJ disorders include:

  • Pain
  • Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw
  • Jaw muscle stiffness or locking
  • Limited jaw movement
  • A change in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together

To be sure that you are suffering from a TMJ disorder, you will need a diagnosis from an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

If you are experiencing a TMJ problem, one of our surgeons can consult with you. Once the cause of the problem is found, the best course of treatment will be recommended.

In most cases of TMJ disorders, surgical intervention is not required. Surgery is only considered when all other treatments fail to relieve you of your symptoms. Other treatment options have been shown to be effective in reducing discomfort and resuming normal life.

TMJ disorders cause pain and discomfort in patients, with the TMJ joint and surrounding musicals often over-strained. For some people, the discomfort is severe and seriously detracts from their quality of life. More serious cases of TMJ disorders can also limit the way you eat, with associations with malnutrition. People suffering from TMJ disorders also tend to suffer from headaches, dizziness, and nausea which have a negative impact on quality of life.

TMJ means Temporomandibular Joint while TMD refers to Temporomandibular Joint disorder. TMD and TMJ disorders are the same thing.

TMJ Dysfunction