Jaw Joints, Facial Pain and Dental HealthTMJ Dysfunction is a popular term to describe a disorder of the jaw joints or the muscles that control the joints. Symptoms may masquerade as a multitude of other problems such as sinus pain, headaches, migraines, neck and shoulder stiffness and earaches. These symptoms may relate to the bite. They can be treated successfully by the professionals at Cotswold Dental Specialists who have specialist level expertise in managing these disorders.

TMJ Dysfunction is a dental term which describes a collection of symptoms, which result when the chewing muscles and jaw joints do not work together correctly. TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joints. These are the two joints that connect your jaw to your skull. When these joints are out of place, they can cause many problems:

The usual symptoms are:

• Clicking or popping of the jaw joints
• Pain in or around the jaw joints
• Locking or limited opening of the mouth

Muscle spasm goes hand in hand with displaced jaw joints. Because the nerves and muscles are so complex in this area, when these muscles are in spasm the problems can be far-reaching. Patients can suffer from many symptoms that seem unrelated to their bite. These include:

• Headaches
• Pain behind the ears
• Dizziness
• Earaches or ringing of the ears
• Clenching or grinding of the teeth
• Neck, shoulder, or back pain

The primary problem can be within the joints themselves, the muscles of the face and jaw, or a combination of these. Because the symptoms mimic so many other conditions, the correct diagnosis is often not made.

What causes TMJ Dysfunction?

The structures that make it possible to open and close your mouth include the bones, joints and muscles. These are very specialised and must work together whenever you chew, speak or swallow. Your teeth are inserted in your lower jawbone. At the other end of this bone are the temporomandibular joints. The joints attach your jaw to your skull. Muscles attach both the bones and joints and allow them to move. Any problem, which prevents the complex system of muscles, bones and joints from working together in harmony, may result in dysfunction and pain.

Bite Problems

There are various ways this system can be disrupted, such as accidents involving a blow to the face or a whiplash. The most common cause of TMJ Dysfunction relates to teeth and the bite. If the bite is not correct it can affect both the muscles and the joints.

Muscle Spasm

Your upper and lower teeth must come together firmly each time you swallow. This happens over 2000 times each day and night! When your bite is unstable your muscles must work harder and in abnormal ways. This places the muscles under strain and makes them feel painful. A vicious cycle begins of increased tissue damage, muscle tenderness, and pain, increased muscle spasm which in turn gives increased pain, and so on.

Jaw Joint Displacement

The position of your teeth can also affect the position of your jaw joint. Each jaw joint is a ball and socket joint held apart by a thin disc of cartilage between them. The disc acts as a cushion and allows the joint to move smoothly. Each disc is held in place and guided by muscle. If your bite is not right, the joint is pulled out of alignment and typically the disc is pulled forward. Mild displacements cause a clicking or popping sound in the jaw joint; more severe displacements can be very painful and eventually can cause permanent damage to the joint. Diagnosis depends on patients finding dentists who are trained in and experienced in correctly diagnosing the cause of TMJ dysfunction and facial pain.

At Cotswold Dental Specialists we offer two experts ­ our Oral Surgeon, Richard Greenwood, and our Restorative Dentist, Christopher Turner. They will be able to make the correct diagnosis for you and commence the correct treatment for you.

Pain and damage to jaw joints caused by loss of vertical dimension of occlusion

Treatment

Since the teeth, jaw joints, and muscles can all be involved, treatment for this condition varies. Typically, treatment will involve several phases. The first goal is to relieve the muscle spasm and pain. Then, our dentist must correct the way the teeth fit together. Often a temporary device or "splint" is worn over the teeth until the bite is stabilised. Permanent correction may involve selective re-shaping of the teeth. If the jaw joint itself is damaged, it must be specifically treated. Though infrequent, surgery is sometimes required to correct a damaged joint. Our dentists have the special expertise to stabilise your bite so that the teeth, muscles, and joints all work together without strain. The important aim of correcting your bite is to insure optimal long-term health. If you have any of the signs of symptoms mentioned, discuss them with us.