TMJ
TMJ or Temporalmandibular Joint, is literally the hinge which connects the jawbone to the skull. In dental terms, TMJ is an umbrella term referring to any painful disorder of the jaw, whichs includes not only the TMJ, but also the muscles used for chewing food. In TMJ, the patient is suffering from occasional, and in some cases chronic pain resulting from inflammation of the TMJ.
The TMJ actually consists of two joints. One is used to rotate the jaw, and the other allows it to translate (also known as slide) back and forth. Since bone and cartilage do not have any nerve endings, the actual pain and inflammation that affects those suffering from TMJ takes place in the soft tissue surrounding the TMJ. Because the attachment of the jaw is so close to the ear, many times symptoms from TMJ may be initially misundertood by the patient as an earache.
There are a number of symptoms which may be indicative of TMJ, including:
- Stiffness and soreness in the jaw
- Pain when biting, chewing or yawning
- Difficulty or pain when trying to open or close the mouth
- A “locking” feeling or sense of a significantly reduced range of motion
- Grating, popping or grinding sounds when the jaw is moved, causing great pain
- Pain on the side of the jaw, radiating through the entire face, neck and shoulders
- High pitched tinnitus or ringing in the ears
Anyone that is demonstrating one or more of these symptoms may have TMJ, and these should be discussed with Dr. Bartlett. She has years of experience treating patients who have been suffering with this disorder. There are a number of treatments, depending upon the severity, which can substantially improve the comfort of someone suffering from TMJ. Dr. Bartlett can carefully examine the patient, rule out more serious issues and prescribe a course of treatment to significantly improve the condition.
Give Dr. Bartlett’s office a call today if you have any questions related to TMJ.