TMJ Problem (Tempo Mandibular Joint Dysfunction)

The jaw joint is the area directly in front of each ear that goes into action, every time we eat, talk, yawn or swallow. The tempo manidubalr joint ( TMJ) consist of head of the Jaw bone ( condyle) Disc ( Cartilage) , ligaments and muscles of mastication. This is the most intricate and versatile joint in the body because it controls very complex movements allowing the lower jaw to move in harmony with the mouth muscles.

Clicking, Popping and Grinding Noise in the Joint.

These noises occur when the condyle and the disc are not working smoothly.  A pop or click happens when the coordination between the condyle and the disc are not in order.  The disc gets squished between the two jaw bones, this makes a click or a pop noise.

A grinding sound indicates a degenerative disc, condyle or both.

Pain, dizziness, headache and hearing loss also is associated with TMJ Disorder.

How is it cured?
It depends on the cause; we start with taking a detailed dental history, which includes any present or past accidents, past dental treatments including orthodontics. The most common dental cause of TMD is misalignment of teeth.  When the teeth do not bite together correctly, they force the condyle and the disc into any abnormal position.

In most cases , construction of a relatively simple  “ plastic splint ( bite plain)” that can be worn by the patient for a short period of time ( few days ) , results in most symptoms being either alleviated or gone altogether. At that time, permanent treatment can begin.

For any questions or to make an appointment, please contact our office by calling 703.931.4544, or use our contact page.

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