Tyler Oral & Facial Surgery
805 Turtle Creek Drive
Tyler, TX 75701
(903) 592.1664
(903) 592.1789 (Fax)
tofs@tofstyler.com
Office Hours
Monday - Thursday
8:00am - 4:30pm
Friday
8:00am - 3:00pm
We are a multi-lingual facility: English/Spanish/Japanese
Disclaimer
Now Offering the Next Generation i-CAT®
|
The Temporomandibular (TMJ) Joint
Pain located around the jaw joint is often
described as ‘TMJ’. TMJ is actually an abbreviation
for the anatomical name of the jaw joint, which is the
‘Temporomandibular Joint’. It is a unique joint which
moves rotationally as well as forward, partially coming
out of its socket each time we open our mouths. A disc
is located within the joint, protecting the joint surface.
The joint space is lined by a synovial membrane which
keeps the inside of the joint lubricated for smooth
movement.
TMJ problems may not necessarily originate from
the joint structure itself. Often, the pain may originate
from the surrounding muscles or ear. Sometimes, referred
pain from teeth or even a heart problem can mimic TMJ
pain. Therefore, pain located around the TMJ must be
carefully evaluated.
True TMJ problems often present with a functional
disturbance of the jaw with or without pain. A common
problem I encounter includes a sudden inability to open
the mouth with severe, well-localized pain in one of the
joints; a loud, popping sound involving one or both
joints with pain and frequent jaw locking; or painful,
grinding sounds with limited opening of the jaw.
These disc disturbances are frequently caused by
jaw trauma during an automobile accident, assault,
and athletics. A jaw alignment problem such as a severe
underbite may also lead to a disc problem. Also, chronic
clenching or grinding of the teeth is thought to cause
disc disease in the long term.
Multiple treatment options are available based on
the diagnosis. Treatments include medical management,
physical therapy, splints, orthodontics, joint injection,
and actual surgical treatments. Accurate diagnosis is
critical; an improper diagnosis may lead to worsening of
the problem with long term consequences. |
