The temporomandibular joints (TMJ), or the jaw joints, are a field of expertise in modern dentistry. Disorders that affect them can really affect the quality of life of people who suffer from it. However, disorders of the temporomandibular joints are very little known, as is the way the dentist can help to rectify them. We therefore shed light on the subject in this article!
The role of temporomandibular joints
The temporomandibular joints connect our lower jaw to the upper jaw, that is, to the rest of our skull. They are just under the ears and they are part of the joints that are the most solicited of our body. Indeed, it is used to talk, eat, yawn ...
To understand the origin of the problems at the ATM, one must know that they consist of articular disks, which are between the two jaws. The role of the discs is to absorb the pressure during chewing and to avoid the friction of the bones of the mandible and the skull.
Causes of temporomandibular joint disorders
It is when the effectiveness of joint disks is affected that the symptoms of TMJ disorders appear. This can be related to different causes, including:
- Bruxism or the unconscious grinding of the teeth during sleep;
- Stress, which causes jaw tension;
- Trauma to the teeth, jaw or face;
- Osteoarthritis and other conditions that affect joint health;
- Problems of dental occlusion (relationship between the two jaws);
- Loss of teeth, which can lead to imbalances in the occlusion.
The set of problems mentioned above affects the way the pressure is distributed at the ATM level. In some cases, they cause abnormal pressure, which will affect the health of joint disks.
Symptoms of TMJ disorders
Temporomandibular joint disorders can cause a lot of symptoms. These should prompt you to consult your dentist so that he can examine you and specify their cause. Here are the most common symptoms of TMJ disorders, which it is important to learn to recognize:
- TMJ pain, which can spread to the face and neck;
- creaks in the TMJ during certain movements of the jaw;
- jamming of the jaws when over-loaded;
- pain during chewing;
- a loss of the ability to open your mouth;
- dental pain;
- pain in the ears;
- swelling in the ATM.
Why consult my dentist for temporomandibular joint disorders?
During dentistry training, dentists cover occlusion of the jaws, that is, the relationship between the upper jaw and the lower jaw, as well as the health of the jaws. So, depending on the symptoms you have, they can perform an in-depth examination of your teeth and jaws, in order to identify the conditions that can cause TMJ disorders and associated symptoms. . These include bruxism or orthodontic problems that affect occlusion. During the examination, the dentist can perform x-rays to assess the condition of the jaws.
Dentists at Dents Mon Quartier in LaSalle will be happy to receive you to evaluate your situation. If you suffer from temporomandibular joint disorders, they will direct you to the appropriate treatment!
Approved by Dre Charouk
Dr. Joumana Charouk, D.M.D, is proud to offer her patients exceptional care that combines experience, efficiency and good humor.
Dre Joumana Charouk, D.M.D