People diagnosed with TMJ

[Minionfan]

What are the main symptoms/signs of TMJ and how is it diagnosed and treated?

 

[honestdoc]

Temporomandibular Disorder TMD usually presents as pain and lack of function (unable to open wide). Many times TMD can be symptom-free (no pain, no limitations) but your dentist may detect severe or uneven wear on your teeth. It can be like malfunctioning brake calipers in your car where the brake pads are prematurely engaged and wearing abnormally. TMD can be serious enough that the bone around the joint will wear each other down (arthritis). The dentist and or TMJ specialist may order imaging such as MRI and CT scan to view the joint anatomy. Many times, the dental pano x-rays may reveal flattening of the mandibular condyles indicating abnormal wear/damage.

Treatment may include bite and or stabilization splints, physical therapy, and surgery (last resort due to its invasive nature and unpredictable results). My asymptomatic TMD started during a friendly pickup basketball game over 30 years ago and had my Right jaw nailed by an aggressive elbow and dislocated the Right TMJ. With stress of Dental School and being a dentist, I was grinding and clenching and had uneven wear on my posterior teeth. Fortunately I prescribed myself a custom bite guard and relieved headches and random teeth pain. I still have risk for arthritis and if my condition worsens, I will see a TMJ specialist.

 

[Minionfan]

Thanks very much for your reply.

A few months ago I went through a period where my jaw would lock open or closed, so made eating and talking difficult when it happened. I'd also hear a noise in my ear beforehand as if it were a spring being wound and then the jaw would lock for a few seconds/a minute or two etc.

The locked jaw hasn't happened recently but at the moment I have a regular ache in my jaw but when I went to the dentist a couple of weeks ago there were no fillings etc needed to explain any ache. It also hurts sometimes when I open my mouth wide.

I also currently have pain in/around my ear, although that isn't unusual as I've always had a lot of ear infections and ear problems.

I also clench/grind my teeth when I feel stressed, although I'm trying to recognise when I'm doing it and to stop as much as possible.

Does this sound like it could be a TMJ issue? Can it cause your jaw to ache on a regular basis or only when you clench/grind your teeth?

 

[honestdoc]

Thanks very much for your reply.

A few months ago I went through a period where my jaw would lock open or closed, so made eating and talking difficult when it happened. I'd also hear a noise in my ear beforehand as if it were a spring being wound and then the jaw would lock for a few seconds/a minute or two etc.

The locked jaw hasn't happened recently but at the moment I have a regular ache in my jaw but when I went to the dentist a couple of weeks ago there were no fillings etc needed to explain any ache. It also hurts sometimes when I open my mouth wide.

I also currently have pain in/around my ear, although that isn't unusual as I've always had a lot of ear infections and ear problems.

I also clench/grind my teeth when I feel stressed, although I'm trying to recognise when I'm doing it and to stop as much as possible.

Does this sound like it could be a TMJ issue? Can it cause your jaw to ache on a regular basis or only when you clench/grind your teeth?

I suggest you see a TMJ specialist to prevent further deterioration as stated previously. If you are in the US, consider using your medical insurance since dental does not cover TMJ treatments which are very expensive.

 

[Minionfan]

I suggest you see a TMJ specialist to prevent further deterioration as stated previously. If you are in the US, consider using your medical insurance since dental does not cover TMJ treatments which are very expensive.

Ok thank you. I'll look into seeing a specialist.

I'm in the UK, I was just curious as to whether it sounds like a tmj issue. I'd never heard of tmj issues until recently and then thought it sounded like it may be that.

 

[honestdoc]

It's not a topic normal people discuss casually at work or parties unless they are suffering or severely impacted by it. Only professionals have this experience and observations.