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Conditions

Dentistry · Oral health

Temporomandibular disorders

Understand pain and dysfunction involving the jaw joint and chewing muscles.

Editorial publication · Medical review pending.

Understand

Temporomandibular disorders comprise more than thirty conditions of the jaw joint, disc and muscles used for chewing.

Possible symptoms

Jaw or facial pain, limited movement, locking, chewing difficulty and sounds may occur; painless clicking alone is common.

Causes and associated factors

Trauma, overload, clenching, muscular or joint disorders may contribute, but one cause is often not identifiable.

Diagnosis

History and examination of the head, neck, muscles and movement guide diagnosis while dental, ENT and neurological pain are considered.

Tests

Imaging is not routine; X-ray, MRI or CT is selected only when the result is expected to change care.

Course of the condition

Many symptoms improve with time and simple care; the loudness of joint sounds does not necessarily indicate serious damage.

Care options

Education, temporarily soft food, heat or cold, exercises and suitable pain relief precede reversible treatments; permanent bite changes or surgery should not be first-line.

When to consult

Seek care if pain or locking persists, limits eating, follows trauma or occurs with other facial pain.

Urgent help

A jaw locked open, major trauma, swelling, fever, facial weakness, chest pain or neurological symptoms needs urgent assessment.

Questions for your doctor

  • What exact diagnosis explains my symptoms?
  • Are the tooth, gum, bone or jaw joint affected?
  • Which options can preserve natural tissues?
  • Which benefits, limits, risks and costs should I compare?
  • What follow-up and warning signs should I plan for?

Continue reading

A procedure linked to a condition does not establish an indication for your individual situation.

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