TMJ Treatment
77IMPLANT DENTAL CLINIC
TMJ disorder refers to a dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint located just in front of the ear. It occurs when a problem develops in the joint and surrounding tissues (muscles, ligaments, etc.), causing pain or restricted movement in the jaw joint area. The later treatment begins, the worse the prognosis tends to be and the longer treatment can take. An accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment early on are essential.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint formed where the lower jawbone meets the skull, just in front of the ear. It is a critically important joint that acts as a lever when opening and closing the mouth, moving the jaw side to side or forward, and chewing food. The TMJ is a musculoskeletal structure made up of the mandible, the skull, the articular disc between them, ligaments, and the surrounding muscles.
Frequent consumption of hard or chewy foods
Poor oral habits (jaw clenching, teeth grinding, nail biting, etc.)
Chewing predominantly on one side
Opening the mouth excessively wide
Poor posture (resting the chin on the hand, forward head posture, etc.)
The exact cause is not yet fully understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of factors, including trauma (car accidents, impacts, being struck, etc.), misaligned bite (occlusal discrepancy), bad habits (clenching the upper and lower teeth together, teeth grinding, poor posture, etc.), and psychological factors (anxiety, tension, depression).
You hear a clicking or popping sound when moving your jaw.
There are times when you can't fully open your mouth after waking up.
You feel pain in your jaw or face after eating or talking.
Your jaw has become dislocated while yawning or after dental treatment.
Your jaw hurts after receiving dental treatment.
