Temporomandibular Disorder Treatment

The temporomandibular joints, called TMJ, are the joints and jaw muscles that make it possible to open and close your mouth.

Each TMJ has a disc between the ball and socket. The disc cushions the load while enabling the jaw to open widely and rotate or glide. Any problem that prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs and bones from working properly may result in a painful TMJ disorder.

Possible causes of TMJ disorders include:

• Arthritis
• Dislocation
• Injury
• Tooth and jaw alignment
• Stress and teeth grinding

What are the Symptoms of TMJ Disorders?

• Pain or tenderness in your face, jaw joint area, neck and shoulders, and in or around the ear when you chew, speak, or open your mouth wide
• Jaws that get "stuck" or "lock" in the open- or closed-mouth position
• Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint when you open or close your mouth or chew. This may or may not be painful.
• A tired feeling in your face
• Trouble chewing or a sudden uncomfortable bite -- as if the upper and lower teeth are not fitting together properly
• Swelling on the side of your face