Access TMJ Treatment from Experienced Professionals
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jaw to the skull and functions like a hinge to enable the opening and closing of the jaw. It is one of the most complex joints in the body and plays a vital role in chewing, swallowing, yawning and talking.
What Is TMJ Disorder?
Temporomandibular joint disorders are problems which affect the jaw joint. The jaw joint is located just in front of the ear canal, and it joins the jaw bone (mandible) to the skull near to the temple. The jaw joint is also called the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Problems affecting this joint are usually known as TMJ disorders or jaw problems. However, there are various other medical terms for this condition – for example, TMJ dysfunction, TMJ pain and myofascial pain disorder.
Temporomandibular joint disorders, more plainly called “jaw problems” are terms describing a variety of signs and symptoms originating from the jaws. These might include pain in the jaws or headaches, reduction of range of jaw movement, jaw stiffness, clicking noises, or dislocation of the lower jaw following certain movements.
The pain is usually located just in front of the ear, and it may spread to the cheek, the ear itself, and to the temple. Headaches are very common when the main problem is muscle-related Jaw movements may be reduced. There may be a general tight feeling or a sensation of the jaw getting stuck. Very rarely, the jaw may get ‘locked’, causing difficulty in opening or closing the mouth. Clicks or noises can sometimes be heard coming from the jaw joint when you chew or move your mouth. These noises can be normal, so they are only relevant if you have other symptoms in the joint, such as pain or reduced movement. Because the ear is very close to the jaw joint, some people get ear symptoms such as noise in the ear, sensitivity to sound or dizziness (vertigo). A most common symptom is headaches and feeling “stiff” jaws, not being able to open the mouth wide; this condition may be associated with muscle spasm and fatigue.
The exact causes of TMJ disorders are unknown, but possible reasons are poor posture, gum chewing, grinding the teeth, whiplash, arthritis and stress which can cause teeth clenching. When suffering from any problems that affect the jaw, it is best to access treatment quickly to avoid further complications. Management is often relatively simple and painless and can make a huge difference to your quality of life.
If you’re currently experiencing any of the below issues, it could be a sign that you have TMJ syndrome:
- Difficulty or pain opening the mouth
- Chronic headaches or migraines
- Pain or tenderness in the neck, shoulder, jaw or ear when you speak, chew or try to fully open the mouth
- An uncomfortable bite
- Facial swelling
- Ear aches or ringing
- Noises like a grating, clicking or popping in the jaw joint when you open or close the mouth
- Aching pain in the face
Dr Malcolm Schaller, Our TMJ Specialist
Malcolm Schaller is a specialist oral surgeon, prosthodontist and dental surgeon who trained in the UK at Guys Hospital (University of London )and Toronto Dental School (University of Toronto ) in North America. His main interests are in the reconstruction of the missing dentition, cosmetic and aesthetic improvement of the mouth and teeth, and the reconstruction of teeth and jawbones using implants and bone grafting techniques.
He is one of the pioneers in using modern implant reconstruction methods in the UK and has had over 30 years of experience in this field. Dr Schaller has lectured both nationally and internationally on implant dentistry and is a member of the American Dental Society of London (Past President); American Dental Society of Europe (Past Vice President); Royal Society of Medicine and other eminent organisations (detailed below).
Management of TMJ Problems:
Most problems in the jaw joint can be helped with simple treatments such as painkillers and advice on how to rest the joint, accompanied by some physiotherapy. There are various treatments which are often used in combination:
Resting the Jaw Joint
You can rest the joint by eating soft food and not using chewing gum. Also, avoid opening the mouth very wide – so don’t do too much singing, and try not to yawn too widely. Massaging the muscles and applying warmth can help. Other treatments are relaxation and stress-reducing therapies – presumably because people tend to clench their jaw when they are stressed, or because stress makes pain worse. Splints or bite guards are sometimes suggested. These are made of hard acrylic and are customised to your jaw, usually the upper. They cover the teeth at night to reduce clenching of the jaw. Research shows that they solve muscle issues in a majority of patients.
Medication
Painkillers such as paracetamol, ibuprofen or codeine can help. If these are not enough, muscle relaxants or a small dose of a medicine called a tricyclic antidepressant can give added pain relief.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy treatments, such as ultrasound and gentle jaw exercises, can be helpful.
Treatment of Other Conditions
If there is an underlying condition – for example, a type of arthritis which is contributing to the TMJ disorder – this may need treating in its own right.
Surgical Treatment of the TMJ
With more extreme cases of TMJ disorder, one of the below surgeries may be recommended:
- Arthrocentesis: a minimally-invasive outpatient procedure involving the injection of fluid into the joint to flush out the inflammation and decrease pressure.
- Arthroscopy: the insertion of a cannula into the joint through which surgery is performed. This option has a quicker recovery time because only a small incision is made.
- Open-Joint Surgery: the creation of a large incision over the joint that enables the dentist to perform a full operation. This TMJ treatment requires the longest recovery time.
What is the Outlook for Temporomandibular Joint Disorders?
Generally the outlook is good. Most TMJ disorders improve over time and do not get worse. It is very rare to get any complications with this condition. Some people do have symptoms that last longer or come back (recur), but even these can usually be improved with the treatments described above. Most people do not need injections or surgery and will get better with TMJ treatments on Harley Street and time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have TMJ disorder?
There are a number of signs that could suggest you’re suffering from TMJ disorder, including difficulty opening your mouth and facial swelling.
However, not all of these symptoms mean you have the disorder, which is why we recommend you book a consultation for a full analysis of your jaw problems. This way, one of our dentists can provide you with a diagnosis and a treatment plan if they deem it necessary.
There is no specific cause of TMJ disorder, but if you are experiencing the issues listed above, it’s advised you access treatment as soon as you can to reduce the likelihood of more complications arising.
If you’re worried about TMJ disorder, give us a call today on +44(0)20 7486 4442 to speak to one of our experts and book a consultation.
Do I need to take medication to manage my TMJ disorder?
Medication is a great way to treat the pain caused by TMJ disorder, but it isn’t always necessary for those experiencing this condition.
Rest, although simple, can vastly improve the tension built up in the jaw and reduce the pain that this can cause. Eating softer foods, avoiding gum, and opening the mouth widely is also recommended.
Believe it or not, controlling your stress levels can help to ease the symptoms of TMJ. People tend to clench their jaws when stressed, inevitably leading to aches and pains. Gentle jaw exercises are a great way to relax the muscle and manage soreness.
While there is no direct cause of TMJ disorder, underlying causes like arthritis can often contribute. Understanding why you’re experiencing jaw pain is vital, as you could need treatment for another condition.
For more information on the treatment types available for TMJ disorder, contact us today – we’re more than happy to help.
How do I book a consultation to treat my TMJ disorder?
We like to make things easy here at The Harley Street Oral Reconstruction Centre, including the booking process.
You can book a consultation online to meet our team and ask them any questions directly.
If you prefer, you can email or call to speak to us about the treatments we have available for TMJ disorder.
Is treatment for TMJ disorder expensive?
TMJ disorder can be treated simply with paracetamol and sufficient rest.
However, we do offer a range of treatments for extreme cases of the disorder at varying complexity levels.
Unfortunately, it’s difficult to give a price online without knowing anything about your circumstances. For some, the answer is physiotherapy, and for others, it could be open-joint surgery.
When you visit us for a consultation, we’ll provide you with a full analysis of your oral health. From here, we can provide you with a full treatment plan to solve your muscle issues.
Contact us today by calling +44(0)20 7486 4442 or by emailing [email protected]. If you prefer, you can book a consultation online to meet with our expert dental team.
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