The temporomandibular joint connects the jaw to the skull, allowing movement of the jaw itself. It is the joint that allows us to eat, laugh, drink, talk, blow, bite and yawn.
The TMJ is double, but both joints are joined by the jaw itself and must move together. The two TMJs cannot move separately, but must move in a coordinated manner, which complicates its pathology.
Anatomically, it is a complex joint, which has an intra-articular meniscus, ligaments with intra-articular and extra-articular insertion, musculature that provides movement and joint capsule. This variety of elements makes that pathologies can appear, which are not always easy to locate and diagnose.
Sharp, stabbing pain in the mouth that does not come from the teeth.
Traditionally, malocclusion of the teeth has been attributed as a cause of joint pathology, but not everyone with a malocclusion has TMJ. Even so, some malocclusions are a risk factor for TMJ problems.
TMJ disorders can cause pain in the joint and in the muscles that control jaw movement.
What is the temporomandibular joint?
It is one of the most complex joints in the body. In the TMJ different bones meet: the temporal bone and the mandible, on both sides of the head. That is to say, they are two joints that work synchronized with each other.
The main function of the TMJ is to guide and limit the movements of the lower jaw, intervening in various facial actions: phonation, communication, chewing, swallowing and yawning.
Thanks to the TMJ we can perform three types of movements with the jaw:
- Lateral movement: the jaw moves to the right or to the left.
- Upward or downward movement: this is a very important movement, since it is the one we use the most in this joint, and the one that allows us to articulate words and chew. It is the one that allows us to open and close the mouth.
- Protrusion and retrusion movement: this is the movement that takes place when the jaw moves forward.
What symptoms indicate temporomandibular dysfunction?
The most frequent TMJ symptoms are:
- Bruxism
- Jaw pain
- Feeling of jaw fatigue
- Difficulty opening the mouth
- Clicking in the jaw
- Malocclusion
- Dizziness
- Head, neck or back pain
- Jaw locking
- Tooth wear
TMJ Pain Solutions
TMJ disorders cause a lot of pain and can alter our daily life. In addition, this pain can be transferred to the ear, head and teeth, affecting chewing. In this sense, today there are several solutions to relieve TMJ pain, such as the following:
- Cranial physiotherapy: to restore the natural movement of the jaw and reduce pain. It is performed through manual mobilization, massage, ultrasound and exercises.
- Discharge plates: these are acrylic protectors that adapt to the teeth and are usually used at night, since this is one of the times when the teeth are usually clenched unconsciously.
- Arthrocentesis: it is a washing of the area of the joint cavity, which is performed with a serum called Ringer Lactate to distend the joint. This small intervention is performed under local anesthesia, but the patient may also opt for intravenous sedation.
- Orthognathic surgery: is an intervention that allows the bones to be put in their correct position, benefiting the joints and muscles of the face.