TMJ

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects your mandible (lower jaw) to your skull. The joint can be found on both sides of your head in front of your ears. It allows your jaw to open and close, letting you to speak and eat.

The abbreviation “TMJ” has also been used to refer to a group of health conditions related to your jaw. However, this is becoming more commonly abbreviated Trusted Source as “TMD” or “TMJD” to distinguish the temporomandibular joint itself from TMJ disorders.

TMJ


What are the symptoms of TMJ disorders?

The symptoms of TMJ disorders depend on the severity and cause of your condition. The most common symptom of TMJ disorders is pain in the jaw and surrounding muscles.

According to 2021 researchTrusted Source, other symptoms typically associated with these disorders include:

  • pain that can be felt in the face or neck
  • stiffness in the muscles of the jaw
  • limited movement of the jaw
  • locking of the jaw
  • clicking or popping sound from the TMJ site
  • dental issues, such as the wearing down of teeth
  • tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
  • vertigo
  • headaches
  • shift in the jaw, changing the way that the upper and lower teeth align (called malocclusion)

 

TMJ Symptoms may show up on just one side of the face or both.

TMJ


Dr Singh has been trained to analyse the TMJ problem in Florida, America. A thorough joint examination reveals the problem.

The TMJ works as one of a pair of joints and can be affected by the same range of conditions which affect all other joints. This includes various forms of arthritis.

However, the most common problem affecting the TMJ is called TMJ dysfunction. It may be likened to a sprained ankle but affecting the jaw joint. This condition is common in the 18-30 age range, although not restricted to it.

Symptoms can include:

  • Pain
  • Restricted mouth opening
  • Clicking or popping from the joint
  • Grating noises from the joint
  • Locking where the joint gets stuck either during opening or closing of the mouth

In many people, this is a self limiting condition which may not require active treatment.

If troublesome, most treatments are simple therapies such as the use of a bite guard to wear over the lower teeth at night, and/or referral to a qualified physiotherapist. Additional measures including using suitable pain killers and perhaps applying heat to the area at night. Food needs to be kept soft.

At least 75% of patients with this problem will improve or get better with simple measures over a 6 month period. A research study published in 1995 showed that 90% of people with this problem were still able to eat and chew most types of food 30 years later and none had had TMJ surgery. Surgery is required for fewer than 5% of people with this problem. In rare instances when a joint is badly affected by arthritis, it can be replaced in a similar way to replacing hip or knee joints, although for the TMJ, individual custom made joints are used.

Ann had problems with a dentist not understanding her bite.  After placing many crowns and fillings he did not understand her bite was not in the proper place. Then after 3 visits with Dr Singh she recovered and now able to enjoy her foods.

 

“I had headaches and sore shoulders for years. The night guard has helped wonders and for the first time in years. I no longer wake up with a headache or discomfort in my front teeth. I am really impressed with the time and attention Dr Singh took to make it comfortable and the after care given to ensure it remains correct and comfortable.”                                                                                               Sally Holgate

TMJ Jaw joint conditon

Dr Singh has extensive training in treating problems associated with the jaw joint and bite, or what we call ‘Temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) disorders’. These come in many forms and the symptoms can include:

  • Painful clicking, popping or grating in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth.
  • Pain in the chewing muscles or jaw joint, especially first thing in the morning or in the evening after a stressful day.
  • Soreness in the jaw.
  • Difficulty opening or closing the mouth or locking of the jaw.
  • Jaw muscle stiffness.
  • Headaches or radiating pain in the face, shoulders and neck.
  • Ringing in the ears.
  • A change in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together.
  • Can be mistaken for chronic toothache.

What causes it?

These problems have many contributing factors such as stress and grinding of teeth. Trauma to the jaw plays a role in some TMJ disorders. But for most jaw joint and muscle problems, scientists don’t know the cause. For many people, symptoms seem to start without an obvious reason. Research disputes the popular belief that a bad bite can trigger TMJ disorders. Because the condition is more common in women than in men, scientists are now exploring a possible link between female hormones and TMJ disorders.

 

“My TMJ joints were sore and the side of my face were painful the last few  months.  Dr Singh advised that I wear a night guard to resolve my TMJ bite problem.  It prevented me from wearing down due to my grinding and help my jaw joints recover. The treatment and care was great. Thank you for helping sore jaw   better.”

                                                    Gary Dickenson

                                                  

In summary, careful planning and analysis will allow the treatment to be designed around your individual needs.

The facial muscles and jaw joints are all part of a system that is controlled by the brain. Because Dr Singh has a detailed understanding of this system, he can detect specific reasons that cause harmful bite pattern and head and neck pain.

When muscles and joints do not work properly, the muscles will often tire. The tiredness can become part of a cycle that results in tissue damage, pain, muscle tenderness and spasm.

Although accidents involving injuries to the jaw, head, or neck, or diseases such as arthritis may result in some bite problems, Using detailed bite evaluation we can diagnose any discrepancies with your bite. We also use it to get the accuracy of newly fitted restorations 100% correct to make your restorations last longer.

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