The TM joints work in synergy with the facial bones and multiple pairs of muscles to allow opening and closing of the mouth, chewing, swallowing and speech, as well as to enable the forward, backward, rotational, and side-to-side movements of the lower jaw.

Any disturbance to the perfect facial balance can trigger the cycle characteristic of TMJ disorders, which affects muscles and joints on all areas of the face, neck, and back. When muscles and joints are not working together correctly, muscle spasm can result which produces pain and dysfunction.

In a normal joint, the disc, a thin piece of cartilage, acts as a cushion or shock absorber between the condyle and the glenoid fossa. It is held in place and guided by muscles and ligaments. When the lower jaw opens and closes, the disc stays between the condyle and the glenoid fossa at all times.

The following are contributing factors to TMJ disorder: trauma to the head and face, whiplash, uneven bite (malocclusion), bruxism (grinding your teeth), clenching etc. When trauma to the TM joints is prolonged, the body begins to compensate by involving muscles in other areas: face, neck, throat, and upper back.

TMD is often a chronic and degenerative disease. Anyone experiencing headaches, earaches, dizziness and clicking or popping in the jaw joints should schedule an appointment for a thorough examination with Dr. Demerjian, before their symptoms become more severe.

TMJ disorders have been called the “Great Impostors” because many of the symptoms have overlapping characteristics, which often mimic other conditions. Indeed, it is quite common for people to seek the care of a medical doctor or medical specialist in search of a cure or answer. Most, however, never think to contact a dentist trained in TMD since the symptoms are primarily medical in nature.

Do you suffer from any of these?

TRAUMA

According to statistics published in the Journal of the American Dental Association in 1990,* 44% to 99% of TMJ problems are caused by trauma. By trauma, we mean an injury as obvious as a blow to the jaw with a fist or something as subtle as a whiplash injury, with or without direct trauma to the head or jaw. (*JADA 1990;120:267) An overwhelming majority of patients who sustain whiplash injuries in motor vehicle accidents (MVA) also dislocated one or both temporomandibular joints at the same time without having impacted their face or head against the steering wheel, door column, windshield or other parts of the car.

Some of the causes of TMD include:

• whiplash injury and automobile accidents
• intubation procedures in hospitals
• trauma to the head, face, or jaw

TRAUMA

TMD diagnosis is a complex and often daunting process. This explains why physicians and dentists who are not board-certified orofacial and craniofacial pain specialists may miss a potential TMJ disorder in a patient that is suffering from chronic head, neck and/or facial pain.

How is the diagnosis made?

The usual evaluation of the TMJ involves a physical examination of the muscles of the head, face, neck and shoulder with manual palpation. The doctor feels for muscle spasm and rules out "trigger points" which can refer pain to other areas. Ranges of Motion Studies–measurements of jaw movement when moving side to side and on full opening of the mouth, are assessed. General skeletal alignment is also assessed. Additionally, radiographs allow us to see actual pictures of the joint components and their relative state of health. In many cases, additional tests may be recommended. At our office we also utilize the latest in computer diagnostics to measure and record jaw joint activity and jaw movement.