TMJ & jaw pain

TMJ & Orofacial Pain Care in Ahmedabad

Assessment and management of jaw joint problems, clicking, restricted opening and bite-related facial pain.

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What is the TMJ?

The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect the lower jaw to the skull just in front of the ears. Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a group of conditions affecting these joints and the chewing muscles.

The jaw joint (TMJ): anatomy, common symptoms and contributing factorsTextbook-style side-view section of the jaw joint with the mouth closed, front to the left. The condyle of the lower jaw sits in the glenoid fossa of the temporal bone, with the articular eminence in front and the external ear canal and mastoid process behind. The articular disc lies between condyle and bone, its thick posterior band above the condyle, joined behind to the retrodiscal tissue; the joint capsule encloses the joint. The superior and inferior heads of the lateral pterygoid muscle attach at the front of the disc and condylar neck. Common symptoms: jaw, ear or temple pain; clicking or grating; locking or limited opening; headaches or morning stiffness; tooth wear. Common contributing factors: clenching or grinding, muscle strain, disc displacement, arthritis and injury.The jaw joint, side view (mouth closed)FrontTemporal boneArticular disc:anterior bandArticular eminenceLateral pterygoid:superior headLateral pterygoid:inferior headGlenoid (mandibular)fossaArticular disc:thick posterior bandExternal ear canalRetrodiscal tissue(behind the disc)Condyle of themandibleJoint capsuleMastoid processRamus of themandibleCommon symptomsJaw, ear or temple painClicking or gratingLocking or limited openingHeadaches, morning stiffnessTooth wear from grindingContributing factorsClenching or grindingJaw muscle strainDisc displacementJoint arthritisInjury to the jaw
The jaw joint (TMJ): anatomy, common symptoms and contributing factorsTextbook-style side-view section of the jaw joint with the mouth closed, front to the left. The condyle of the lower jaw sits in the glenoid fossa of the temporal bone, with the articular eminence in front and the external ear canal and mastoid process behind. The articular disc lies between condyle and bone, its thick posterior band above the condyle, joined behind to the retrodiscal tissue; the joint capsule encloses the joint. The superior and inferior heads of the lateral pterygoid muscle attach at the front of the disc and condylar neck. Common symptoms: jaw, ear or temple pain; clicking or grating; locking or limited opening; headaches or morning stiffness; tooth wear. Common contributing factors: clenching or grinding, muscle strain, disc displacement, arthritis and injury.The jaw joint, side viewFront123456789101112131Temporal bone2Articular disc: anterior band3Articular eminence4Lateral pterygoid: superior head5Lateral pterygoid: inferior head6Glenoid (mandibular) fossa7Articular disc: thick posterior band8External ear canal9Retrodiscal tissue (behind the disc)10Condyle of the mandible11Joint capsule12Mastoid process13Ramus of the mandibleCommon symptomsJaw, ear or temple painClicking or gratingLocking or limited openingHeadaches, morning stiffnessTooth wear from grindingContributing factorsClenching or grindingJaw muscle strainDisc displacementJoint arthritisInjury to the jaw
The jaw joint in side view (condyle, disc and socket), with common symptoms and contributing factors.

Treatment summary

TMJ assessment in brief

What it is
Assessment and management of problems with the jaw joints and chewing muscles (temporomandibular disorders).
May help with
Clicking, jaw or ear-area pain, restricted opening or locking, and tooth wear from grinding.
What is involved
A detailed history and an examination of the joints, muscles, bite and movement; imaging only when it will change management.
Next steps
Management options are discussed with you, with a referral where needed.

A jaw locked open or closed, a sudden change in bite, swelling or numbness needs prompt medical care.

Common symptoms

  • Clicking or grating sounds when opening or chewing
  • Pain in the jaw, in front of the ear, or in the temples
  • Restricted opening, or the jaw catching or locking
  • Headaches near the jaw, morning stiffness, or tooth wear from grinding

Assessment

Assessment begins with a detailed history and an examination of the joints, muscles, bite and range of movement. Imaging is advised only when it will change management. Other causes of facial pain are considered.

Management

After assessment, management options are discussed with you, and a referral is made where needed. Where the bite or tooth wear is part of the problem, this may be addressed as part of full mouth rehabilitation.

When to seek urgent medical care

Seek prompt care for a jaw that is locked open or closed, sudden changes in your bite, swelling, numbness, or pain that keeps getting worse. For a medical emergency, contact your nearest hospital.

Book a TMJ assessment

Call or WhatsApp +91 97255 35090 to book at Whiteway Dental, Vasna Barrage Road.

Appointments

Book a consultation with Dr. Sheth

Every case is different. A consultation starts with an examination and the necessary records, and options are explained before any decision is made. Bring your reports and scans.

WhatsAppCall +91 97255 35090

Whiteway Dental · C/1 Harekrishna Appt., Vasna Barrage Road, Ahmedabad 380007 · Book at Whiteway Dental

Dr. Ujjaval ShethReviewed by Dr. Ujjaval Sheth, MDS (Prosthodontics), Maxillofacial Prosthodontist, Ahmedabad.

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