Description
Persistent pain in the jaw joint and/or headaches related to a problem in one or both temporomandibular joints (TMJ). The TMJ connects the jaw to the skull, and is composed of cartilage, muscles and ligaments. There are multiple causes including: grinding of teeth, trauma, inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, and malocclusion of the teeth. Sometimes no direct cause is discovered. The disease is diagnosed more commonly in women and adults in the 20-40 age range.
Symptoms
Pain in and around the TMJ, headaches, biting or chewing difficulty, pain with chewing, clicking sound or grating sensation while chewing or opening the mouth, earache, tenderness over the TMJ, reduced ability to open or close the mouth.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests to help confirm the diagnosis may include: X-rays to evaluate how the teeth fit together, CT scan and/or MRI.
Tests:
CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT), Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests to help confirm the diagnosis may include: X-rays to evaluate how the teeth fit together, CT scan and/or MRI.
Tests:
CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT), Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Treatment
Treatment depends on the severity of the disease and the other co-existing diseases of the patient but may include: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Motrin or Advil, naproxen/Naprosyn or Aleve), a mouth guard, biofeedback, physical therapy, steroid injections, and/or surgery.