Conditions: Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction

temporomandibular joint

The lower jaw (mandible) moves on a joint immediately in front of each ear. The joint itself, muscles around it, and the nerves serving it are all components of the family of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). TMD affects up to 15% of adults, with a peak incidence at 20 to 40 years of age. Common symptoms include jaw pain, earache, headache, facial pain, and clicking or grinding with jaw movements. Many causes contribute to TMD, including diet, clenching, tooth grinding, maloclusion (teeth coming together improperly), trauma, as well as social and emotional factors. Initial diagnosis is usually based on history and physical examination. Diagnostic imaging may be beneficial.

• Animated video explaining the temporomandibular joint and associated problems.

How is TMD treated?

Most patients improve with a combination of noninvasive therapies, including patient education, self-care, cognitive behavior therapy, medications, physical therapy, and occlusal devices.

Initial efforts may consist of the following:

• Avoid strain on the joint. Avoid chewing on hard food (e.g., nuts, hard candy) and avoid unnecessary chewing (e.g., gum).

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., ibuprofen)

Additional management may include the following:

• Possible use of muscle relaxant or other medications

• Use of an oral device (“night guard”) to align the jaws and minimize undue strain

Who treats TMD?

A primary physician or ENT may initially diagnose or suspect TMD, and offer some initial suggestions. Dentists tend to be the primary group treating TMD, and some dentists focus their practice on TMD and obstructive sleep apnea.

Locally, in Bloomington-Normal, IL, the dentists I know to specialize on TMD and obstructive sleep apnea are:

Dr. Todd Gray, Koala Center for Sleep Disorders, 2309 E. Empire St., #500, Bloomington, IL 61704 | (309) 518-1732

Dr. Jack Walz, 604 Dale St. #5, Normal, IL 61761 | (309) 452-5180