Types of TMJ Disorders

Your TMJ, or the temporomandibular joint, is one of the most complex joints in the human body. Today, our dentists in Port Moody explain three main types of disorders of the TMJ joint.

What is TMJ Disorder?

Your TMJ is the joint connecting your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull (located just below the temple and in front of your ear). This hinge works every time you move your jaw to eat, talk or breathe. 

Temporomandibular joint disorders happen when there is a problem with the jaw and facial muscles. You might begin to feel pain in the area and the joint may eventually become immobile if the disorder is severe enough. 

These are the three main types of TMJ disorders:

Types of TMJ Disorder

Muscle Disorders

This pain is known as myofascial pain and involves discomfort or pain in all the muscles that control your jaw’s function. You may feel pain in your shoulders, neck, and jaw muscles.

Joint Derangement Disorders

To make the opening and closing of the jaw easy and smooth, there is a small, soft disc placed between the condyle and the temporal bone. This disc also absorbs shocks to the jaw joint during its movements.

With joint derangement disorders, the inner workings of the jaw are unbalanced or disrupted due to a damaged bone or dislocation of a disc. The displacement of the disc leads to internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint. For the moment, no surgery can treat this problem. 

Joint Degenerative Disorders

This disorder is more commonly known as osteoarthritis. The round ends of the two bones in a joint are held together by cartilage. This allows the bones to glide easily over each other. It also absorbs shocks during movements.

A joint degenerative disorder occurs when cartilage wears away or breaks away. The patient will experience pain, swelling and won’t be able to move the jaw.

Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

No matter which type of TMJ Disorder you have, you’ll likely feel pain in your face, jaw, and around your ears when you open your mouth to talk or eat.

Other symptoms can include:

• Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when you open your jaw
• Additional pain that moves down into your neck and shoulders
• Headaches, pain in your temples or dizziness
• Facial bruising or swelling
• Problems opening, closing or clenching your jaw

When to see a dentist

If home remedies such as gently massaging your jaw and neck muscles, avoiding stress, chewing gum, and over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are not effective, you should see your dentist.

The dentist will review your dental history, complete a thorough exam of your jaw and bite, and take X-rays to study before officially diagnosing you with TMJ Disorder and recommending treatment, which could include:

• Dental splints
• TMJ Therapy
• Oral Surgery (for severe cases)
• Physical Therapy
• Prescription medications

With your dentist’s help, your TMJ Disorder can often be managed with a combination of dental care and home remedies.

Have you been experiencing headaches, jaw pain or dizziness? We might be able to recommend treatments or develop a plan that works for you. Book an appointment at Westport Dental today.