|
The most common condition affecting the temporomandibular region(Figure 1,2) is temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) or myofascial pain dysfunction (MPD). If one have had symptoms like pain or a "clicking" sound, it’ll be glad to know that these problems are more easily diagnosed and treated than they were in the past. Since some types of TMJ problems can lead to more serious conditions, early detection and treatment are important. TMD may develop for many reasons. There may be a developed mechanical mal-alignment of the jaws, joints and muscles due to a "bad bite". This can lead to mechanical deterioration of the joints, muscles and associated tissues which lead to the symptoms of pain and dysfunction. Or one might clench or grind his/her teeth, tightening his jaw muscles and stressing the TMJ joint. Or he may have a damaged jaw joint due to injury or disease. Whatever the cause, these may result in a mis-alignment, pain of headaches, ears, jaws, teeth and/or neck; clicking or grating noises when he/she open mouth; or trouble opening the mouth wide.
Do You Have a TMJ Disorder or TMD?
- Are you aware of grinding or clenching your teeth?
- Do you wake up with sore, stiff muscles around your jaws?
- Do you have frequent headaches or neck aches?
- Does the pain get worse when you clench your teeth or during or after you eat a meal?
- Does stress make your clenching and pain worse?
- Does your jaw click, pop, grate, catch, or lock when you open your mouth?
- Is it difficult or painful to open your mouth, eat or yawn?
- Have you ever injured your neck, head or jaws?
- Have you had problems (such as arthritis) with other joints?
- Do you have teeth that no longer touch when you bite?
- Do your teeth meet differently from time to time?
- Is it hard to use your front teeth to bite or tear food?
- Are your teeth sensitive, loose, broken or worn?
- Have you "lost" several teeth?
|
Figure 1
Figure 2
|
|
Temporomandibular Joint