Procedures

TMJ Dysfunction

TMJ Dysfunction
TMJ Dysfunction

TMJ Dysfunction

TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction involves the jaw joint and the muscles controlling it. The TMJ serves as a sliding hinge, linking your jaw to your skull. In cases of TMJ dysfunction, the jaw joints and chewing muscles do not collaborate properly. Determining the precise cause of TMJ disorders can be challenging and may result from various factors like 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 skilled Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons can alleviate the pain and discomfort resulting from TMJ disorders. Depending on the severity of your TMJ disorder, nonsurgical treatments may provide relief for symptoms; however, surgery can be effective for more chronic and severe cases. In these instances, your dentist, orthodontist, and OMFS will collaborate to assess your candidacy for corrective jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery. If you are currently experiencing symptoms of TMJ disorder and feel that treatment is necessary, reach out to 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 induce pain and discomfort in patients, leading to the over-straining of the TMJ joint and surrounding muscles. In certain individuals, the discomfort reaches a severe level, significantly diminishing their quality of life. More severe cases of TMJ disorders can also restrict normal eating patterns, potentially contributing to malnutrition. Additionally, individuals experiencing TMJ disorders often contend with headaches, dizziness, and nausea, further adversely affecting their overall quality of life.

 

TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint, whereas TMD refers to Temporomandibular Joint disorder. TMD and TMJ disorders are synonymous terms.

 

 

 

TMJ Dysfunction