Jaw Joint Problems

[drsushant]

Treatments vary depending on whether you are suffering

from myofacial pain dysfunction, internal derangement of

the temporomandibular joint or a combination of both.  On

the whole, treatment is aimed at trying to reduce the

workload of the muscles, so allowing the disc of cartilage to

return to a normal position in the joint.

 

This includes such advice as:

 

Eat a soft diet that requires little chewing – allowing the

over-worked muscles to rest.

 

Take painkillers – anti-inflammatory medication (e.g.

Ibuprofen) is good and can be taken as either tablets

or applied as a gel on the outside of the joint.

 

Use heat – e.g. wrap a hot water bottle filled with

warm water in a towel and apply it to the side of your

face.

 

Identify and stop any bad habits, such as clenching or

grinding.  Although, this may be difficult as they are

often ‘subconscious’, i.e. you may not be aware you

are doing them.

 

Use relaxation therapy and learn techniques to control

tension and stress.

 

Jaw joint exercises – your doctor will advise you on the

best kind of exercises for your problems.  Please

remember to follow them as instructed.

 

Rest the joint as much as possible, e.g. avoid yawning.

 

Wear a clear plastic splint that fits over the teeth and is

worn mainly at night (a Bite Raising Appliance).  This

helps support the joint and surrounding muscles.

 

Follow a physiotherapy programme.

 

Replace missing teeth to balance the bite (if

appropriate).

 

What happens if these methods do not help?

 

Surgery is only carried out in a small number of cases. 

This can involve manipulation of the joint whilst you are

asleep, or more rarely, surgery carried out with a mini

telescope.  In extreme cases, it may be necessary to open

the joint and operate on the bones, cartilage and ligaments.

 

Can jaw joint problems develop into anything worse?

 

It is important to realise that jaw joint problems, although a

nuisance, are not sinister and usually respond well to

relatively simple measures over a period of time.

 

Patients can manage most of the treatments themselves.

 

Occasionally, jaw joint problems may return after several

years.  It is very rare for jaw joint problems to progress to

anything serious, like arthritis.