You need to know that humans have two jaw joints on each side of the face, which are located right in front of the ears. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is a joint that connects the lower jawbone to the skull, functions to assist movements such as chewing and speaking.
Causes of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder is a disorder of the temporomandibular joint. This problem can occur when the muscles and ligaments around the jaw joint experience problems. The following are several conditions that can cause TMJ Disorder:
- Jaw trauma (such as a broken or dislocated jaw)
- Grinding or grinding teeth (bruxism)
- Arthritis of the jaw joint
- Malocclusion (misaligned teeth)
- Stress
Symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder
The following symptoms may occur in patients who experience Temporomandibular Joint (TJM) Disorder :
- Pain that can be felt in the face or neck
- Pain in and around the ear
- Stiffness in the jaw muscles
- Difficulty opening or closing the mouth
- Limited jaw movement
- A shifted jaw causes the teeth to become misaligned
- Cephalgia
Diagnosis
To determine the patient's condition, the doctor will carry out a series of physical examinations such as observing the ability of the jaw to open and close the mouth, then may carry out several imaging tests such as TMJ ultrasound, dental X-ray, CT scan & MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). The results of these imaging tests help doctors plan appropriate care and treatment.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder Treatment
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder treatment methods vary depending on the patient's condition, here are several TMJ treatment methods:
A. Non-Surgical Procedures
- Administering medications such as pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs or antidepressants
- Medical rehabilitation, such as: Splint Therapy, Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), Ultrasound therapy
B. Surgical Procedures
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Arthrocentesis
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Arthroscopy
- Open joint surgery
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder can really interfere with your daily activities, the resulting jaw pain can last for months or even years. Therefore, further consultation is required to determine the appropriate treatment or action according to the patient's condition.
If you & your family have conditions as described above and require treatment or treatment. Immediately go to Grha Kedoya Hospital for further consultation with our best specialist doctor to immediately get appropriate & fast treatment and treatment.
Article written by drg. Dicky Firmansyah, Sp.BMM., Subsp TMF-TMJ (K) (Dentist Specialist in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Subspecialist in Maxillofacial Trauma & Jaw Joints (TMJ) Grha Kedoya Hospital).