Getting to Know Temporomandibular (TMJ) disorders
(Part 3)
Temporomandibular (TMJ) disorders usually cause a clicking sound or grating sensation when a person suffering from such disorders would open the mouth or chew.
If there is no pain or the jaw movement is not limited, there is a possibility that you might not need to get TMJ treatment.
It is best to seek medical advice if there is persistent tenderness or if you experience some pain in your jaw or you are unable to open or close completely your jaw.
The dentist may be able to detect if you have a TMJ problem and will provide you with the right treatment for your situation.
The temporomandibular joint has a hinge action with sliding motions. The bones interacting in the joint are covered with cartilage and are separated by a small shock-absorbing disk, which is the one that makes the motion painless and smooth.
Your dentist will tell you about the symptoms and will be making an examination of your jaw.
Usually, the dentist will be looking or listening to jaw and feel your jaw when you open and close your mouth
Moreover, the dentist will observe the range of motion of your jaw.
As part of the examination, the dentist will press on areas around your jaw to identify sites of pain or discomfort
If the dentist suspects a problem, the patient may need to get dental x-ray to find out problems on the teeth or even a CT scan to provide images of the teeth and bones.
TMJ arthroscopy is sometimes used in the diagnosis of a TMJ problem.
In a TMJ arthroscopy, the dentist inserts a small thin tube (cannula) into the joint space, and a small camera (arthroscope) is then inserted to view the area and to help in the diagnosis.
In most cases, the symptoms of TMJ disorders may go away without treatment. If the symptoms persist, the dentist may recommend a variety of treatment options.