TMJ Treatment

TMJ Treatment (Temporomandibular Joint Disorders)

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) treatment is a dental discipline that covers the diagnosis and treatment of anatomical or functional disorders occurring in the jaw joint that connects the lower jaw to the base of the skull, the chewing muscles, and the surrounding tissues.

Jaw joint problems may develop as a result of unconscious teeth clenching/grinding (bruxism), incorrect occlusal relationships, anatomical disorders in the joint structure, stress, or physical trauma. The main purpose of treatment is to reduce intra-articular pressure, relieve muscle spasms, maintain the ideal position of the joint disc, and provide the patient with pain-free jaw function.

In Which Situations Is It Preferred?

• When a sound from the jaw joint (clicking, crackling, or rubbing sound) is heard during opening or closing the mouth,

• When there is morning fatigue, stiffness in the jaw muscles, or limited mouth opening (jaw locking),

• When uncontrolled teeth clenching/grinding (bruxism) occurs during the day or during sleep,

• When pain is felt in the jaw area and temples while chewing or speaking,

• In the presence of chronic head, neck, ear, and facial pain whose cause is associated with a dental examination.

Clinical Benefits:

• Protects Joint Structure: Stops deformation of the joint disc, cartilage tissue damage, and wear on bone surfaces.

• Relieves Pain and Muscle Spasms: By balancing the uncontrolled load placed on the chewing muscles, it helps control muscle-origin pain in the face, head, and neck region.

• Protects Tooth Tissue Against Wear: It prevents microcracks, fractures, and loss of vertical dimension caused by the high pressure created by bruxism on tooth surfaces.

The success of TMJ treatment depends on a detailed clinical and radiographic (3D Tomography/MR) evaluation, the correct planning of custom-made transparent appliances (occlusal splint / night guard) or adjunct medical applications, and the patient's discipline in using them.