Temporomandibular Joint

The temporomandibular joint corresponds to the jaw joint with the skull. The temporomandibular joint is one of the most complex of the human body and is responsible for moving the jaw forward, backward and sideways.

What are the temporomandibular disorders (TMD)?

Temporomandibular disorders relate to various problems affecting the temporomandibular joint and facial muscles. If you put your fingers in front of the ears and open your mouth you will feel the movement of the TMJ. It consists of a small ball, the condyle which articulates with another bone, the glenoid cavity through a small hard fibrous.

Several studies show that 20-30% of the population suffer from symptoms of TMD, apparently more women than men.

What are the causes of temporomandibular disorders?
Trauma, either under the direct trauma or by prolonged clenching (bruxism);
Stress
Malocclusion
Arthritis, TMJ
Tumors

What is the temporomandibular joint?

The temporomandibular joint frequently referred to as a TMJ, is a bilateral synovial joint, which connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the articular fossa of the temporal bone. The round upper end of the jaw, or movible portion of the joint is called the condyle; the socket is called the articular fossa. Between the condyle and the fossa is a disk made of cartilage that acts as a cushion to absorb stress and allows the condyle to move easily when the mouth opens and closes.

Function of the temporomandibular joint?

The TMJ allows the jaw to move smoothly up and down and side to side, enablying you to talk, make facial expressions, chew and yawn. The joint realizes between 1500 and 2000 movements daily.

What is a temporomandibular joint disorder?

A TMJ disorder refers to alterations of the jaw, TMJ and surrounding facial muscles.
Common symptoms include:

• Clicking, popping or grating noises as you chew or move your mouth;
• Difficulty opening or closing the mouth;
• Radiating pain in the face, jaw or neck;
• Jaw muscle stifness;
• Difficulty chewing or a sudden uncomfortable bite, as is the upper and lower teeth are not fitting together;
• Jaws that get "stuck" or "lock" in the open or closed-mouth position.

Other symptoms may include: headache, earache, dizziness, upper shoulder pain, ringing in the ears.

Causes of a TMJ disorder:

In a healthy joint the end of the bones are covered with smooth cartilage, which allows them to glide easily when the jaw is moved. TMJ disorder can happen due to wear and tear of the cartilage; injuries; dislocations; damage to the surfaces of the teeth due to neglect or injury; bruxism (theet grinding) or overuse of facial muscles (due to stress, mouth breathing).

What is the treatment for temporomandibular joint disorders?

TMJ treatment may range from conservative dental and medical care to complex surgery; therefore, treatment should be accompanied by a multidisciplinary team of health care providers. An orthodontist may prescribe a stabilization splint and correct oclusal interferences when necessary. A physical therapist can develop a program for you that includes learning and practicing techniques for regaining normal jaw movement. The focus of the physical therapy for TMJ disorders is:

• Jaw excercises to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility and range of motion;
• Massage to relieve overall muscle tension;
• Training to improve posture and correct jaw alignement,
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), which is the application of a mild electrical current to the skin over the jaw joint. It relaxes muscles, improves blood circulation, and relieves pain.
  
  

A parafunctional habit that occurs when the patient unconsciously grinds the teeth rhythmically during sleep or less harmfully, during the day.If the patient wakes up with sore jaw muscles and headaches he may be suffering from bruxism (clenching). Bruxism can cause pain and tooth mobility and loss of tooth structure by attrition. Can eventually destroy the gums and bone surrounding or lead to dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint.