Few people notice the importance of the TMJ in the body. The problems and solutions associated with it are of no interest to anyone. But only until the person himself encounters a disease of this joint.
What is TMJ?
Let's figure out what TMJ means, what problems and solutions it has. This is the temporomandibular joint. It is located in front of the human ear and consists of the lower jaw and temporal bone. Nearby muscles and tendons provide opening and closing of the mouth. In a normal state, without pathologies, jaw movements do not cause any discomfort to a person. The temporomandibular joint can be called one of the most used in the body, because it works throughout the day when talking, yawning, chewing food.
Like everyone else, it is prone to diseases, and this is not uncommon - about 40% of people have experienced them on themselves, although diseases of this joint are less common than, for example, caries or periodontitis. However, not every one of the sick seeks help from a doctor, simply not understanding what the symptoms are connected with, and waiting for them to disappear on their own.
Symptomsdiseases
If we consider TMJ diseases, problems and solutions (diagnostics will be discussed below) may differ depending on the nature and type of the disease. But their symptoms can be combined into one list, since they are similar in the presence of different ailments:
- headaches;
- ear pain, congestion, ringing;
- spasm in the jaw and facial muscles;
- extraneous sounds during jaw movements - crunch, clicks, rattle;
- enlarged lymph nodes (submandibular),
- dizziness.
If you find such symptoms, you should consult a dentist, because it is possible that this is a TMJ disease.
Causes of diseases
TMJ diseases, problems and solutions associated with them are few, but the factors of their occurrence are quite a lot. The causes of diseases can be various phenomena in nature:
- jaw or facial bone injury;
- stress, overexertion;
- problems with the endocrine system;
- metabolic disorders;
- infectious diseases;
- excessive exercise;
- malocclusion;
- complicated dental diseases.
TMJ diseases
If you pay attention to the state of the TMJ (problems, symptoms) in time, the solution to problems will come with a diagnosis and determination of the type of disease. The temporomandibular joint may be subject to the following diseases:
- Arthritis. It is characterized by painful sensations in the joint area, its swelling, restriction of jaw movements. The temperature may rise. In the chronic form, a crunch is observed during movement. If the disease is left to run, the result may be deformity of the joint.
- Arthrosis. It is manifested by pain in the joint area and ears, abnormal movements of the jaw when opening (zigzag), accompanied by clicks and a crunch. Often there is pain in the masticatory muscles.
- Dislocation of the joint. It is characterized by a violation of the location of the jaws relative to each other with a displacement of the head and disk of the joint, pain when opening, clicks.
- Ankylosis. Restriction of jaw movement caused by injury or infection. The purulent form is dangerous with the appearance of facial asymmetry, extensive caries, malocclusion. In running form - complete loss of movement.
- Muscular-articular dysfunction. Manifested by pain in the ear and temple, aggravated by movement of the joint, clicking, blocking the jaw.
Diagnosis
For the diagnosis of TMJ diseases, the most modern methods are used to make the correct diagnosis. After all, a favorable outcome of treatment depends on this. To identify all the problems and solutions for the TMJ, the method of determining the disease includes clinical, radiological and functional studies. Initially, the doctor examines the oral cavity, analyzes the patient's complaints. This work is carried out by an orthopedic dentist. It produces palpation of chewingmuscles, the joint itself, evaluates the amplitude of jaw movements, whether it is difficult.
X-ray plays a big role in determining the disease, it allows you to identify obvious changes in the joint. At an early stage of the disease, computed tomography is used. All TMJ-related problems and solutions are known to the orthodontist. If necessary, the patient is referred for a consultation and to a rheumatologist, endocrinologist or other specialists.
Treatments
When TMJ disease is already identified, problems and solutions, treatment is based on general recommendations:
- Eating soft foods that do not require careful and long chewing. Compliance with the rest mode for the joint, you can not open your mouth wide.
- Using different compresses according to indications, cold compresses to reduce pain, warm compresses to relieve tension and muscle cramps.
- Taking anti-inflammatory and pain medications.
- Remove excessive compression of the teeth by correcting the bite. This can be done with a special acrylic construction and dentures.
- Physiotherapy (electrophoresis, massage).
- Relieve muscle tension (taking antispasmodics).
- In case of an unfavorable course of the disease, after applying all the methods of treatment, one will have to resort to surgery. According to the nature of the disease, the doctor will conclude that it is necessary to carry out - correction of the joint or its complete replacement.
It is easier and faster to treat TMJ disease at an early stage, so do not ignore the symptoms that appear. Treatment of advanced forms of the disease sometimes lasts up to several years.
Arthrosis
Arthrosis provokes degenerative changes in the tissues of the joint. It is manifested by aching pain, the presence of extraneous sounds during the movement of the jaw, limitation of its mobility, stiffness. Arthrosis treatment includes orthopedic operations (for example, prosthetics), massage, therapeutic exercises, physiotherapy. The neglected form of arthrosis is treated only by surgical intervention in the TMJ. Osteoarthritis, problems and solutions associated with it, should be carefully studied and weighed by an orthodontist before deciding on an operation, this is a last resort.
The disease is common among the elderly, it affects half of this population. At a young age it is less common, mainly in women. The main causes of arthrosis can be the presence of chronic arthritis, malocclusion, bruxism, injuries and operations of the jaw, incorrect dental procedures (improper filling or prosthetics), as well as many other factors (menopause in women, genetic predisposition, etc.). For prevention, bite correction, timely elimination of oral diseases, prosthetics (or other dental work) are recommended only by a high-class specialist.
Arthritis
Arthritis - inflammation of the cartilaginous tissues of the joint with their possible atrophy. Elderly people who already have rheumatoid arthritis in other joints are more susceptible to the disease. Also, arthritis can be caused by injuries, infections (as a complication of influenza or chronic tonsillitis), and dental diseases. Aggravating factors are chronic diseases and reduced immunity. At an early stage, arthritis occurs without visible symptoms.
The first sign, in the presence of which you should already consult a doctor, is the numbness of the lower jaw in the morning. Behind him, other symptoms appear - aching (or acute) pain, extraneous sounds when the jaw moves (crunching, clicking). If arthritis was the result of an injury, it will manifest itself immediately after the injury with swelling and severe pain, gradually spreading to the neck, head, ears, tongue.
If a person suspects TMJ arthritis, problems and solutions should be discussed with a doctor immediately, preventing further development of the disease. The main principle in treatment is to ensure the immobility of the joint, fixing the jaw with the help of a sling bandage. With arthritis of any etiology, anabolics are prescribed. Treatment of the infectious form is impossible without antibiotics and immunostimulants. With traumatic arthritis, it is necessary to relieve swelling and improve blood circulation.
Dysfunction
Incorrect functioning of the temporomandibular joint is called TMJ dysfunction. Such an ailment is accompanied by clicking sounds when the jaw moves, as well as its blocking for a short time. Other associated symptoms of dysfunction are pain in the ears, eye area, jaw (during chewing or yawning) and facial muscles, changes in bite, headaches. After you discuss your problems and solutions with your doctor, the dysfunction can be corrected in some ways that the specialist will recommend. The following treatment options are available:
- use of drugs that relieve muscle spasm, painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs;
- occlusion correction with a special design, elimination of teeth grinding and excessive abrasion;
- conducting psychological therapy to relieve stress and relax muscles;
- if the treatments recommended by the doctor fail, surgery is performed on the joint.
Dislocation
Dislocation of the temporomandibular joint is a displacement of the ends of its bones, which interferes with the normal functioning of the jaw. There are acute (traumatic) and habitual forms. Traumatic dislocation occurs as a result of a blow to the lower jaw, extraction of teeth or prosthetics, and even during chewing, screaming or yawning. Habitual dislocation appears due to the fragility of the joints of the articular apparatus, its anatomical features. You can not solve the problems that have arisen with the TMJ on your own. And the decision on this matter must be made by the doctor. The treatment is carried out by limiting the movement of the jaw with the help of an orthodontic appliance. Physiotherapy and anti-inflammatory drugs are used if necessary.
