TMJ Treatment

What is TMJ? 

    The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint connecting the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull (temporal bone). The lower jaw and the skull are connected by a number of muscles and ligaments, which function in harmony with each other if the lower jaw is in the correct position. The head of the jaw bone (lower jaw) is called the condyle and it fits into the concavity of the temporal bone called the glenoid fossa. The TM joint resembles a ball and socket with the round condyle being the ball and the glenoid fossa of the temporal bone being the socket. For normal joint function to occur, a piece of cartilage called an articular disc acts as a cushion or shock absorber between the two bones.

When the lower jaw opens and closes, the disc stays between the condyle and the glenoid fossa of the temporal bone at all times. When this happens, this is a normal healthy TMJ and the patient can open wide without any discomfort and without any noise. With a normal opening, the patient should be able to get three fingers between the upper and lower front teeth when the mouth is open as wide as possible. In cases where the TM joint is functioning normally with the disc in the proper position, the muscles of the head, neck and shoulders function relatively pain-free.

What causes TMJ problems also know as TMD (temperomandibular disorder)?

    TMJ problems (TMD) are a result of the joint not functioning properly.  Each jaw joint is a ball and socket joint. When functioning properly, the ball and socket do not actually touch because a thin disc of cartilage rides between them. The disc acts as a cushion and allows the joint to move smoothly. This disc is controlled by muscles and ligaments.  The position of the teeth plays the most significant role in the function of the joint.  The teeth guide the movement and position of the jaw.  If your bite is not correct, the joint can not function correctly.  When this happens the disc is displaced anteriorly.  This displacement can be constant, or occur only when opening wide.  The displacement or dislocation of the disc is what is happening when the jaw clicks or pops upon opening.  The head of the condyle will then become displaced superiorly and posteriorly, resulting in bone on bone function.  This can lead to osteoarthritis.  When this happens the jaw is too far back and up, which allows it to press on the blood vessels and nerve endings.  The compression on the blood vessels and nerve endings causes significant pain.   
    An unstable bite can cause both jaw joint displacement and muscle strain and pain. Many seemingly unrelated symptoms results.  These symptoms include headaches, neck aches, ringing in the ears, stuffiness in the ears, pain behind the eyes, ear pain, shoulder and lower back pain, dizziness and fainting, difficulty swallowing, and tingling of the fingers and hands.