What are temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders?
TMJ disorders affect the jaw and surrounding areas. They may involve the muscles around the jaw joint or the bone and cartilage within the joint.
Multiple TMJ conditions can occur together. Myofascial pain syndrome is a common type of TMJ disorder that causes tension, fatigue, or spasms in the jaw muscles. Another common condition, internal derangement of the TMJ, occurs when the disc inside the joint is displaced or disrupted.
At Penn Medicine Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, a multidisciplinary team of oral surgeons, oral medicine physicians, and oral rehabilitation experts provide expert care. They treat a high volume of TMJ cases, including complex surgeries, making them one of the top centers in the country for TMJ treatment.
What are the symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders?
TMJ disorders can cause a wide range of symptoms that affect the jaw, face, and nearby areas. Symptoms include chronic headaches, sinus or ear problems, neck pain, or even toothaches.
TMJ disorders often cause pain that can radiate to other parts of the face and neck, such as:
- Jaw pain or tenderness, often most noticeable in the morning or late afternoon
- Pain that spreads to the face, neck, or shoulders
- Earaches or pain around the ear
- Headaches, especially around the temples
- Facial pain or aching
Problems with jaw movement and function are another key indicator of TMJ disorders. They may include:
- Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening or closing the mouth, accompanied by pain or reduced jaw movement
- Limited ability to open the mouth wide
- Jaw stiffness
- Jaw locking in an open or closed position
- Difficulty or discomfort while chewing
TMJ disorders can also lead to less obvious symptoms that may seem unrelated to the jaw, including:
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Dizziness
- Changes in how the upper and lower teeth fit together
- Muscle spasms in the jaw area
- Tooth pain without any dental issues
What are the causes of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders?
Common causes of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders include:
- Jaw injuries: Trauma to the jaw, joint, or surrounding muscles, such as from an accident or blow to the face, can be a factor in developing a TMJ disorder.
- Teeth grinding or clenching: Also known as bruxism, these habits put excessive pressure on the TMJ and can lead to muscle tension and joint damage.
- Stress: Stress often causes people to clench their jaw or tighten facial muscles, which can strain the TMJ over time.
- Arthritis: Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can damage the joint’s cartilage or cause inflammation.
- Jawbone infection: Infection of the bone from a neglected dental cavity, a tooth extraction, or other dental procedures, if not properly treated, can travel into the jawbone and cause TMJ issues.
- Joint misalignment: Problems with how the upper and lower teeth fit together (malocclusion) can cause TMJ disorders.
- Mouth and jaw tumors: Both benign and malignant jaw tumors can be found in the mouth and jaw, causing symptoms such as swelling, pain, tenderness, and unexplained tooth mobility.
- Connective tissue disorders: Conditions like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which affect joint stability, may lead to TMJ issues.
- Repetitive movements: Frequent gum chewing, nail biting, or habits like resting the chin on the hand can strain the joint and muscles.
These factors can act alone or in combination, contributing to TMJ disorders and their symptoms.
Diagnosing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
To diagnose TMJ disorders, your doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and possible causes like teeth grinding or stress. They’ll examine your jaw for pain, tenderness, and unusual sounds like clicking or popping. They’ll also check jaw movement, range of motion, and alignment. Imaging tests may be ordered to get a clearer view of the joint and nearby tissues.
Treatment for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
For most people, TMJ pain and dysfunction are short-lived and respond well to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy, or wearing a night guard. In some cases, muscle relaxants, nerve pain medication, or injections of corticosteroids or Botox may bring relief. People with more severe or advanced conditions may require surgical treatment.
Trusted leaders in the treatment of TMJ disorders
At Penn Medicine, our oral and maxillofacial surgeons are internationally known and considered pioneers in TMJ surgery. With some of the highest volumes of joint surgery in the country, the Penn Center for Temporomandibular Joint Disease has extensive experience performing complex joint and combined jaw surgeries.
At the forefront of medical and surgical science, our physicians and researchers are actively involved in basic science and clinical studies to improve treatment outcomes and prevent TMJ disorders.
We are a pioneer in TMJ medical and surgical science, as well as a leader in clinical research. Our Center is home to the TMD-PRIME patient registry and TMJ Biobank. The goal of these two initiatives is to advance the scientific understanding of transmandibular joint disease and to increase the prevention and improve the prognosis of patients who suffer from this complex condition.