TMJ disorder: what it is, causes, symptoms and treatment
TMJ disorder (temporomandibular joint dysfunction) can cause jaw pain, clicking sounds, a feeling of an inflamed TMJ, difficulty opening the mouth or discomfort when chewing.
What is TMJ disorder?
The temporomandibular joint, also known as the TMJ, is the joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull. It allows you to open and close your mouth, chew, speak, yawn and perform everyday jaw movements.
When there is an alteration in this joint, in the articular disc, in the chewing muscles or in the way the teeth fit together, symptoms may appear that are known as TMJ disorder, temporomandibular dysfunction or TMD (temporomandibular disorders).
Not all TMJ problems have the same origin. In some patients, muscle overload predominates; in others, there may be a joint alteration, a bite problem, bruxism, displacement of the articular disc or degenerative changes in the joint.
The key is not to treat all jaw pain in the same way, but to carry out an individualised clinical, dental and maxillofacial diagnosis to identify which structure is involved and which treatment may be indicated.
Illustrative image of the temporomandibular joint. An assessment makes it possible to determine whether the origin of the problem is muscular, articular, dental or a combination.
TMJ disorder symptoms and warning signs
The symptoms of TMJ disorder can vary depending on the origin of the problem. Some patients experience pain, others limited movement, joint noises or a feeling of tension in the jaw.
It may appear when chewing, opening the mouth wide, speaking for long periods, or on waking if there is night-time tooth clenching.
Some patients describe pressure, tension or discomfort in front of the ear, especially when moving the jaw or chewing.
Clicks or grinding sounds may occur when opening or closing the mouth. They do not always indicate a serious problem, but they should be assessed if accompanied by pain or locking.
Limited opening may be related to muscle contracture, inflammation, joint locking or an alteration of the TMJ disc.
If the jaw gets stuck, it is hard to open or close the mouth, or intense pain appears, there may be an alteration of the articular disc or another TMJ problem.
In some cases, TMJ disorder may be accompanied by discomfort in nearby areas, although other possible causes should always be ruled out.
Causes of TMJ disorder
TMJ disorder can have a muscular, articular, dental or mixed origin. In many cases there is not a single cause, but a combination of factors that produce overload or functional alteration.
Clenching the teeth can overload the chewing muscles and increase the tension on the temporomandibular joint.
Tension in the masseter, temporalis or pterygoid muscles can cause jaw pain, a feeling of stiffness and functional limitation.
In some patients, the way the teeth fit together can influence jaw function and the distribution of loads on the TMJ.
The joint disc can become displaced, producing clicking, a sensation of the joint jumping, locking or difficulty opening the mouth.
In certain cases there may be joint wear, jaw osteoarthritis or inflammatory processes affecting jaw mobility and comfort.
Blows to the jaw, forced opening, chewing very hard food, biting objects or keeping the jaw tense can all contribute to the symptoms.
When assessing the TMJ, it is important to determine whether the problem mainly affects the joint, the chewing muscles, the bite or a combination of several factors.
TMJ disorder treatment at Face Clinic
TMJ treatment depends on the diagnosis. In many cases it starts with conservative measures, habit control, an occlusal splint (night guard) or specialised physiotherapy. In others, specific procedures on the joint may need to be considered.
At Face Clinic, the goal is to study the origin of the jaw pain, joint noises, locking or limited opening in order to guide an individualised treatment and avoid generic approaches.
When to see a specialist about TMJ pain or jaw dysfunction
It is advisable to request an assessment if jaw pain lasts several days, keeps coming back, limits mouth opening, is accompanied by locking or makes chewing difficult.
It is also advisable to seek help if you notice painful clicking, jaw deviation when opening, discomfort in front of the ear, tooth wear, bruxism or frequent jaw tension.
The consultation makes it possible to determine whether the origin is muscular, articular, dental or combined, and to define whether imaging tests, a bite study or a multidisciplinary assessment are needed.
The diagnosis defines the treatment
Two patients with jaw pain or TMJ clicking may need different treatments. In one, the origin may be muscular; in another, articular; and in another, it may be related to bruxism, the bite or disc displacement.
That is why treatment planning must be based on a clinical examination, analysis of jaw function, a dental study and complementary tests when indicated.
The medical team that assesses the temporomandibular joint
TMJ disorder may require the involvement of a team with experience in oral and maxillofacial surgery, dentistry, occlusion, bruxism and orofacial pain.
At Face Clinic, the assessment is carried out on an individual basis, studying the joint, the bite, the chewing muscles and the patient's symptoms before deciding on the treatment.
Where to get your TMJ disorder assessed
You can request an initial assessment at Face Clinic to study your jaw pain, clicking sounds, feeling of an inflamed TMJ, jaw locking or discomfort when chewing.
Choose the clinic that suits you best for an initial assessment, to answer your questions, receive a personalised plan and find out about the most suitable treatment options for your diagnosis. You can also discover our clinics and check which location is most convenient for you.
Face Clinic Madrid Barrio de Salamanca
- Calle de Diego de León, 39
- 28006 Madrid
- 910 885 812
Face Clinic Aravaca Pozuelo
- Av. del Talgo, 202, L22
- 28023 Madrid
- 913 573 699
Face Clinic Salamanca
- Pl. Basilios, 8
- 37001 Salamanca
- 923 171 340
Contact Face Clinic
Leave us your details and the Face Clinic team will advise you on the most suitable clinic and type of assessment for your case.
Frequently asked questions about TMJ disorder
TMJ disorder can be related to bruxism, tooth clenching, muscle overload, bite alterations, trauma, joint changes or disc displacement. In many cases, several factors are involved.
Symptoms may include jaw pain, clicking, difficulty opening the mouth, locking, discomfort when chewing, muscle tension, pain in front of the ear or associated headaches.
Treatment depends on the diagnosis. It may include conservative measures, an occlusal splint, physiotherapy and TMJ exercises, control of bruxism, medication prescribed by a professional or specific TMJ procedures in selected cases.
TMJ problems can be assessed by specialists in oral and maxillofacial surgery, dentistry and, depending on the case, specialised physiotherapy. The important thing is to obtain an individual diagnosis to guide the right treatment.
A TMJ problem may be suspected if there is recurring jaw pain, painful clicking, limited opening, locking, discomfort when chewing or pain in front of the ear. Confirmation requires a clinical examination and, where appropriate, complementary tests.
Diagnosis usually includes a medical history, examination of the TMJ, analysis of mouth opening, muscle assessment, a bite study and imaging tests when indicated.
Do you have jaw pain, clicking or tension in your TMJ?
At Face Clinic we can assess your case individually, study whether the origin is muscular, articular, dental or functional, and explain which treatment options may be suitable for your diagnosis.
Does your jaw hurt? Do you notice clicking, locking or discomfort when chewing? Request your assessment.
