I Have TMJ
From time- to-time, I will see patients for an examination that reveals they may have been diagnosed or undiagnosed with a jaw joint problem. They may even indicate that in the past a dentist has diagnosed them with “TMJ”. To be clear, “TMJ” stands for “Temporo-Mandibular Joint”. This term represents the interface between the surface of your jaw bone and your skull, or the temporal bone and the mandible or jaw bone. Your jaw is attached by a complex series of ligaments and muscles to your skull. Therefore, everyone has a TMJ or temporo-mandibular joint. If you have ever been diagnosed with a problem of your jaw joint, the correct, commonly accepted term is actually “Temporo-mandibular Joint Disorder” or “TMD”. Due to the fact that these are more scientific sounding, anatomical terms it is easy to see why people commonly confuse their “TMJ” with having “TMD”.
Your dentist can often diagnose if you may have a jaw joint problem like TMD which can be caused by a traumatic injury or inherent anatomical defect. This condition is basically a “derangement” or inappropriate functioning of your jaw joint in the way it moves and works in relationship to the two bones coming together and being held in place by the muscles and ligaments.
If you commonly have cracking or popping sounds, jaw soreness, tenderness, or trouble with your jaw locking, these can be signs of Temporo-mandibular Joint Disorder. This condition can be diagnosed by your dentist or medical doctor. Often times the discomfort can be improved and relieved by a course of non-steroidal medications such as Tylenol, Ibuprofen, or Aspirin. Warm moist heat and specific jaw joint stretches are also very helpful. More serious cases may be improved via orthodontic and/or surgical treatment. Not all dentists treat TMD, but any dentist should be able to refer you to someone who does. We do not invasively treat TMD in our office but do have an extensive network of professional colleagues who can assist in addressing this common problem.
-Kevin R. Suzuki, DMD, MS