New Delhi: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, or TMDs, can be difficult to diagnose for a number of reasons, including:
Lack of a standard test: There’s no widely accepted test to diagnose TMDs.
Unclear causes and symptoms: The exact causes and symptoms of TMDs are not clear. It’s a condition that is influenced by so many factors.
Symptoms that come and go: In the early stages, symptoms may come and go, which can lead people to believe the problem has gone away on its own but that’s our body’s compensatory mechanism to overcome the painful sensation.
Symptoms that are easy to ignore: Some symptoms, like jaw popping or clicking, are easier to ignore than pain.
Symptoms that aren’t noticed right away: Some symptoms, like tooth wear, may not be noticed until significant damage has occurred.
Pain that’s referred to other areas: Pain from TMD can be felt in other areas, like the ear, neck, head, or spine, which can make it difficult to pinpoint the source of the problem.
Lack of knowledge and training: Healthcare professionals may not understand the complexity of TMDs, or may not have the knowledge or training to properly diagnose and treat them.
Are You Suffering From Undiagnosed TMD Symptoms?
Many people are surprised to find out that the painful symptoms they’re experiencing are related to temporomandibular joint disorders or TMD. Millions of people suffer from TMJ disorders, but they often go undiagnosed because of the wide range of symptoms. There are also many varying reasons for the onset of TMJ-related issues. Most TMJ problems are painful and disruptive to everyday life. They can also lead to a range of long-term health issues.
TMJ is short for “temporomandibular joint.” These are the connecting points (one on each side) between the jaw and the skull. While small in size, these joints have a big job to do. The joints and the muscles around them are responsible for the movement involved in chewing and talking. You can feel their work by placing your fingers in front of your ears as you open your mouth.
If these joints get misaligned, the whole jaw has stability problems. Extra pressure will go to the wrong places, causing the commonly experienced pain associated with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD).
There are three main classes of TMD cases,
1 TMJ-related headaches
2 Disorders of the joints, including disc disorders
3 Disorders of the muscles surrounding the temporomandibular joints
Patients often experience persistent headaches on one or both sides of the forehead. It can also present as a domino effect of pain, trickling down to the neck and shoulders. This is why TMD can be tricky to diagnose, since the painful areas may be far from the joint that’s causing the problem.
If you have a TMJ disorder, you may also experience jaw pain, difficulty chewing, clicking or popping sounds, locking or seizing, restricted jaw movement, earaches, or pain in the face, temples, and behind the eyes immediately use should consult a TMJ specialist.
What Causes TMJ discomfort or pain?
The most common causes of TMJ pain are parafunctional habits, tooth grinding, clinching (often stress-related), bone loss (degeneration), or jaw injuries.
Genetic issues
environmental factors
prior orthodontic work
Tooth restoration, crown & bridge
Malaligned teeth
can also be factors in developing TMJ disorders.
How Do I Know if I Have a TMJ Disorder?
If you think you are experiencing a TMJ disorder, the first step toward permanent relief is a TMJ examination.
Medical and Dental Case History
TMJ examination includes a medical and dental history review as well as symptom analysis.
Digital imaging/ radiographic investigation
CBCT,
DYNAMIC MRI
Digital images of the head, neck, and teeth are required
computerized bite test(T-scan)
A T-scan is a computerized occlusal analysis system that can help diagnose temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. It can also help with treatment planning and follow-up, especially for patients undergoing orthognathic surgery, after prosthetic dental treatment.
