Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders
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Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders
Temporomandibular Joint Disorders or TMJ disorders are disorders that are associated with the structures around the jaw joint and supporting jaw muscles. If you have you experienced pain in your jaw joints or jaw muscles, or have difficulty opening or closing your mouth, you may have a TMJ disorder.
TMJ disorders can affect daily functional activities such as eating and talking by causing pain and a limited mouth opening. They may occur alone but may be preceded or accompanied by conditions that affect the jaw muscles (Myofascial pain disorders) and parafunctional habits such as clenching or tooth grinding.
To find out more, make an appointment for a consultation with our specialist Dr Andrew Ow today.
The Consultation Process
1. Initial Assessment
During the consultation, you will meet one of our dental professionals, who will review your health history, discuss your oral condition, and ask other questions to accurately diagnose your underlying problem(s). If you happen to have any questions or doubts, we will also be here to answer them as best as we can.
2. Imaging Tests
Additional imaging tests, including X-rays, may be ordered to examine your mouth, neck, and jaw further. These images can accurately determine if there may be damage, defects or a disorder in the affected area, thereby informing the treatment plan.
3. Laboratory Tests
Our oral pathologists will perform additional laboratory tests, such as blood tests, to help obtain a more accurate diagnosis and differentiate some oral conditions from others. This step will also be necessary to ensure your treatment goes smoothly.
4. Further Consultation on Treatment
With the results of the imaging and lab tests, we will brief you on the appropriate treatment plan based on said results to ensure you can make a swift recovery with our medical advice and expertise.
5. Treatment Phase
Treatment may involve a multidisciplinary approach to ensure your oral and any related conditions are treated and managed effectively, improving recovery outcomes.
Essential Dos and Don’ts
- Be sure to inform your doctor about how you feel, where you are experiencing pain or other symptoms, and any relevant information to help inform your treatment plan accordingly.
- Follow your doctor’s advice at all times to ensure your treatment proceeds smoothly.
- Regular oral health screenings are recommended to monitor your oral health; a yearly checkup is an excellent frequency.
- You may need to fast for a few hours before going for any lab tests to ensure accurate results. In the meantime, you can still drink water to stay hydrated.
- Do not leave out critical details about your condition that can help your treatment. Try to provide as much as possible based on what you are feeling.
What is the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) complex?
The TMJ complex is made up of the following:
Condyle head
Part of your lower jaw that articulates with the skull base
Glenoid fossa
A space at the base of the skull where the condyle head sits in
Articulating disc
A soft tissue disc between the condyle head and the glenoid fossa
Muscle tendons and ligament
These are attached to your jaw and jaw joint to help open and close your jaw
Maxillary/Mandibular Osteotomy
The maxilla refers to the upper jaw, so this surgical method focuses on correcting issues involving the upper jaw, including overbites and crossbites (misalignment of the teeth). On the other hand, mandibular osteotomy involves correcting problems affecting the lower jaw, including underbites and crossbites. These are typically the more common surgical methods for addressing jaw-related complications.
Genioplasty
Also known as chin surgery, this procedure aims to correct issues pertaining to chin misalignment or asymmetry.
Distraction Osteogenesis
This unique, minimally invasive procedure involves the slow movement apart (or distraction) of two bone segments to foster the growth of new bone between both segments, primarily to treat issues with the lower or upper jaws.
What are TMJ disorders?
TMJ Disorders can be broadly classified as follows:
- Myofascial Pain Dysfunction Syndrome or MPDS
- Pain with the jaw muscles due to tension, fatigue or muscle spasm
- TMJ Capsulitis / Synovitis
- TMJ pain due to Inflammation of the soft tissue attachments (Capsule or Retrodiscal Tissues) of the TMJ
- TMJ Internal Derangement
- A mechanical obstruction in the joint, normally due to a forward position of the articulating disc
- If severe, this can cause a closed lock of the jaw
- TMJ Ankylosis
- Inability to move or open the jaw
- Due to the bony fusion of the condyle, disc and genoid fossa
- TMJ dislocation or subluxation
- Chronic jaw dislocation or the inability to close the mouth due the ligaments holding the joint becoming lax or loose
- TMJ Degenerative Joint Disease
- TMJ pain and bite changes due to the degeneration or breakdown of the hard and soft tissues of the TMJ
Maxillary/Mandibular Osteotomy
The maxilla refers to the upper jaw, so this surgical method focuses on correcting issues involving the upper jaw, including overbites and crossbites (misalignment of the teeth). On the other hand, mandibular osteotomy involves correcting problems affecting the lower jaw, including underbites and crossbites. These are typically the more common surgical methods for addressing jaw-related complications.
Genioplasty
Also known as chin surgery, this procedure aims to correct issues pertaining to chin misalignment or asymmetry.
Distraction Osteogenesis
This unique, minimally invasive procedure involves the slow movement apart (or distraction) of two bone segments to foster the growth of new bone between both segments, primarily to treat issues with the lower or upper jaws.
What are the signs and symptoms of a TMJ disorder?
- Pain around the TMJ area or jaw muscles
- Tired jaw muscles
- Change in your bite
- Difficulty or pain opening, closing or protruding the jaw
- Headaches
- Ringing in the ears
- Painful jaw when eating
- Jaw or cheekbone pain
- Popping, clicking or grating noises in the jaw joint when opening and closing the mouth
Maxillary/Mandibular Osteotomy
The maxilla refers to the upper jaw, so this surgical method focuses on correcting issues involving the upper jaw, including overbites and crossbites (misalignment of the teeth). On the other hand, mandibular osteotomy involves correcting problems affecting the lower jaw, including underbites and crossbites. These are typically the more common surgical methods for addressing jaw-related complications.
Genioplasty
Also known as chin surgery, this procedure aims to correct issues pertaining to chin misalignment or asymmetry.
Distraction Osteogenesis
This unique, minimally invasive procedure involves the slow movement apart (or distraction) of two bone segments to foster the growth of new bone between both segments, primarily to treat issues with the lower or upper jaws.
Contact Us
- Location
101 Irrawaddy Road #11-05
Royal Square Medical Centre
Singapore 329565
- Contact Details
Number: +65 6276 7276
Email: enquiries@aomfsurgery.com
- Working Hours
Monday to Friday: 9.00 AM – 5.30 PM
Saturday: 9.00 AM – 12.30 PM
Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed
