• Implant Dentistry
  • Dental Implants
  • Bone Grafting
• Sedation Dentistry
  • Oral Sedation
  • I.V. Sedation
• Cosmetic Dentistry
  • Teeth Whitening
  • Porcelain Veneers
  • Cosmetic Bonding
  • White Fillings
• Family Dentistry
  • Regular Checkups
  • Tooth Extractions
  • Root Canals
  • Gum Disease Therapy
  • Gum Surgery
  • Dental Sealants
  • Dentures
    

TMD Therapy

Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders, commonly called “TMJ,” are a group of conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. We don’t know for certain how many people have TMJ disorders, but the condition appears to be more common in women than men.

For most people, pain in the area of the jaw joint or muscles does not signal a serious problem. Generally, discomfort from these conditions is occasional and temporary, often occurring in cycles. The pain eventually goes away with little or no treatment. Some people, however, develop significant, long-term symptoms.

If you have questions about TMJ disorders, you are not alone. Researchers, too, are looking for answers to what causes these conditions and what are the best treatments. Until we have scientific evidence for safe and effective treatments, it’s important to avoid, when possible, procedures that can cause permanent changes in your bite or jaw.

What is the temporomandibular joint?

The temporomandibular joint connects the lower jaw, called the mandible, to the bone at the side of the head—the temporal bone. If you place your fingers just in front of your ears and open your mouth, you can feel the joints. Because these joints are flexible, the jaw can move smoothly up and down and side to side, enabling us to talk, chew and yawn. Muscles attached to and surrounding the jaw joint control its position and movement. When we open our mouths, the rounded ends of the lower jaw, called condyles, glide along the joint socket of the temporal bone. The condyles slide back to their original position when we close our mouths. To keep this motion smooth, a soft disc lies between the condyle and the temporal bone. This disc absorbs shocks to the jaw joint from chewing and other movements.

What are TMJ disorders?

Disorders of the jaw joint and chewing muscles—and how people respond to them—vary widely. Researchers generally agree that the conditions fall into three main categories:

1. Myofascial pain, the most common temporomandibular disorder, involves discomfort or pain in the muscles that control jaw function.
2. Internal derangement of the joint involves a displaced disc, dislocated jaw, or injury to the condyle.
3. Arthritis refers to a group of degenerative/inflammatory joint disorders that can affect the temporomandibular joint.

A person may have one or more of these conditions at the same time. Some people have other health problems that co-exist with TMJ disorders, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, sleep disturbances or fibromyalgia, a painful condition that affects muscles and other soft tissues throughout the body. It is not known whether these disorders share a common cause.

What causes tmj disorders?

Trauma to the jaw or temporomandibular joint plays a role in some TMJ disorders. This can be as a result of motor vehicle accidents, a blow to the jaw, sport injuries or trauma. But for most jaw joint and muscle problems, scientists don’t know the causes.

What are the signs and symptoms?

A variety of symptoms may be linked to TMJ disorders.

Pain, particularly in the chewing muscles and/or jaw joint, is the most common symptom. Other likely symptoms include:

• Radiating pain in the face, jaw, or neck,
• Jaw muscle stiffness,
• Limited movement or locking of the jaw,
• Painful clicking, popping or grating in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth,
• A change in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together.

How Does Dr. Kwan Treat TMJ Disorders?

Stabilization Splints

After a proper assessment and diagnosis, Dr. Kwan may recommend an oral appliance, also called a stabilization splint or bite guard, which is a plastic guard that fits over the upper or lower teeth.

Stabilization splints are the most widely used treatments for TMJ disorders. They offer a conservative, non-surgical and reversible approach to TMD therapy. They provide immediate pain relief and do not cause permanent changes in your bite. If a splint causes or increases pain, stop using it and talk to Dr. Kwan.

---

---