Oral Surgery
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction
TMJ Disorders
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a small joint located in front of the ear where the skull and lower jaw meet. It permits the lower jaw (mandible) to move and function.
TMJ disorders are not uncommon and have a variety of symptoms. Patients may complain of earaches, headaches, and limited ability to open their mouth. They may also complain of clicking or grating sounds in the joint and feel pain when opening and closing their mouth. What must be determined, of course, is the cause.
What Causes TMJ Disorders?
Determining the cause of a TMJ problem is important because it is the cause that guides the treatment.
Arthritis is one cause of TMJ symptoms. It can result from an injury or from grinding the teeth at night. Another common cause involves displacement or dislocation of the disk that is located between the jawbone and the socket. A displaced disk may produce clicking or popping sounds, limit jaw movement, and cause pain when opening and closing the mouth. The disk can also develop a hole or perforation, which can produce a grating sound with joint movement.
TMJ Problems
Affected patients frequently clench or grind their teeth at night causing painful spasms in the muscles and difficulty in moving the jaw. Patients may also experience a combination of muscle and joint problems. That is why diagnosing TMJ disorders can be complex and may require different diagnostic procedures.
Range of Possible Treatment
TMJ treatment may range from conservative dental and medical care to complex surgery. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include short-term medications for pain and muscle relaxation, bite plate, or splint therapy. At The New York Oral Surgery Group we treat TMJ in a number of ways.
Custom Occlusal Guard
A properly-fitted occlusal guard (also called a night guard) is a thin but sturdy tray that sits over the teeth while you sleep, cushioning them at night and protecting them from tooth-to-tooth contact during unconscious grinding and clenching.
Arthrocentesis/ Arthroscopy
Arthrocentesis is a procedure, using two needles, that drains fluid and irrigates the jaw joint. More complex, arthroscopic jaw surgery diagnoses TMJ disorders and treats joint disease. Arthrocentesis can be used on it’s own or in conjunction with arthroscopy.
Arthroplasty
Arthroplasty is open-joint replacement or restoration surgery that helps restore the jaw and it’s functionality. This often involves resurfacing the bone, using a prosthesis, repositioning the bone, or removing bone growths during surgery.
Total Joint Replacement
Sometimes, patients who do not respond to other treatments can undergo a total joint replacement, a surgical procedure that involves removing and replacing the temporomandibular joint with an artificial one made of metal, plastic, or ceramic.