Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Is chronic jaw pain affecting your daily life? Constant clicking or popping noises becoming a cause for concern? Ask your dentist or your physician about temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD or TMJD), a serious condition involving the jaw muscles, facial nerves, and of course, temporomandibular joint.

TMJ: What Is It?

There are three categories of temporomandibular joint disorder as defined by TMJ Association, Ltd.

The three categories of TMD include myofacial pain, internal derangement and arthritis. Myofacial pain TMD is the most common of the three types, affecting the muscles that control the movement of the jaw. Internal derangement TMD is associated with dislocation or displacement of the jaw or condyle. Arthritic TMD is a degenerative condition. Like other types of arthritis, arthritic TMD causes pain and swelling of the jawbones.

TMD sufferers may experience constant or intermittent pain or discomfort. In addition, sufferers may have one or more category of TMD simultaneously.

TMD Symptoms & Diagnosis

Temporomandibular joint disorder most often results in chronic pain affecting the jaw muscles. This common symptom often serves as an initial indicator, leading sufferers to a doctor or dentist, essentially acting as the first step towards a TMD diagnosis.

Although jaw muscle pain is the most common symptom of TMJ disorder, it is not the only symptom. Additional TMJ symptoms include:

If you are suffering from one or more of the aforementioned symptoms, speak to your doctor or dentist about TMJ disorder. Your dentist can diagnose a case of TMD; however, there may be a variety of healthcare professionals involved in the diagnostic process, including oral surgeons, chiropractors, otolaryngologists (ear, nose and throat specialists), neurologists and more.

In order to diagnose TMD, a thorough evaluation is conducted to assess the condition of your jaw muscles, bones, range of motion and bite. Your evaluation may include tooth impressions, digital imaging (X-ray, CT scan) and the "clench test." A medical history and discussion of symptoms also can help guide your dentist/physician towards a specific category of TMD.

Although there is no universal test currently in use to diagnose TMD, a positive diagnosis can be generated by ruling out all other potential problems capable of causing similar symptoms. This may include dental conditions such as tooth decay, impacted wisdom teeth, root canal infection, sinus infections, chronic headaches, etc.

TMD Treatment

The treatment of temporomandibular joint disorder varies in accordance with the category of TMD and unique considerations associated with each case. Once your TMD diagnosis has been made, a conservative treatment plan can be developed. Typically, your treatment can be performed from home without the need for surgery or other invasive measures.

Some of the more commonly prescribed treatments for TMJ disorder include:

If conservative approaches to treatment are not successful in relieving your symptoms, surgery may be considered. In addition, alternative approaches to treatment may be suggested, such as Botox treatment.

Botox is an injectable with various applications. Studies have found that "off label" use of Botox in TMD cases may yield reduced pain and discomfort, in addition to improved jaw function. Botox treatment is temporary, meaning that injections must be performed regularly.

The cost of TMD treatment varies in accordance with a variety of factors that include your location and insurance coverage. Dental insurance may provide partial cost coverage ranging to 50 percent of total TMD treatment cost. Consult your dentist for specific information.