TMJ / TMD Treatment

Temporomandibular disorder is a collective expression that encompasses disorders involving the masticatory muscles, the TMJ and associated structures. Epidemiological studies estimate that 40 to 70% of the population have at least one TMD sign, such as TMJ noises, and 33% have at least one symptom, such as facial or TMJ pain. The prevalence of need for TMD treatment in the adult population was estimated at 15.6% and it is known that this need is increasing.

The most frequent symptoms reported by patients are pain in the face, TMJ, masticatory muscles, headache and ear pain. There are also otological manifestations such as tinnitus, ear fullness and vertigo. Signs are muscle and TMJ sensitivity to palpation, limitation and/or incoordination of mandibular movements and joint noises.

Parafunctional habits such as teeth clenching or grinding impair the TMJ. In addition to these, chewing gum, yawning a lot, biting objects, supporting the chin, bad sleeping posture also bring harm.

Yes, although the prevalence is lower than in adults. Painful bruxism occurs in 2.6% of children and pain resulting from TMD occurs in 7% to 17% of them. The important thing is to make an early assessment for a better prognosis.

TMD often goes unnoticed by most health professionals. This is mainly due to the fact that there are no complementary tests that conclusively indicate the dysfunction. Ideally, the diagnosis should be made by a specialist in Temporomandibular Disorders and Orofacial Pain (TMD and OFP) through anamnesis and physical examination, whenever the individual presents any of the signs or symptoms mentioned above.

There are several reasons: displacement of the articular disc, joint degeneration, hypermobility, change in the viscosity of the synovial fluid.

It depends on the type of popping and how the joint works. Therefore, evaluation and guidance by a specialist in Temporomandibular Disorders and Orofacial Pain (TMD and OFP) is indispensable.

The evaluation and treatment should always be carried out by a specialist in this area and if there is a need for another specialty to complement the therapy, the patient will be properly guided.

TMD is a chronic disease, so we do not consider the cure but the control. Some studies report the control of signs and symptoms in more than 90% of patients who receive conservative treatments in this specialty.

Yes. Approximately 86% of patients with Dysfunction have chronic headache and 82% have neck pain. More than 90% of patients who undergo the correct treatment protocol have significant improvement in these symptoms. The treatment of headache or neck pain is no longer allowed without the participation of a specialist in TMD and Orofacial Pain in the team.

No. Evidence-Based Dentistry (OBE) does not include the use of these techniques in the TMJ treatment protocol. This conclusion led to the creation by the Federal Council of Dentistry of a specialty dedicated to this pathology.

Some isolated cases require surgical intervention. The sooner the patient seeks help, the lower the risk of needing this type of therapy.

Bruxism is one of the most responsible for the destruction of the masticatory apparatus, which can cause damage to various structures. It can cause tooth wear and fracture, gingival retraction, TMJ alteration, muscle hyperactivity, headache, dizziness, tinnitus, damage to restorations.

No. However, the splint can eliminate or minimize the damage caused by bruxism. No resource, so far, is able to stop this habit. The patient who has bruxism must be continuously to ensure the longevity of their masticatory apparatus.

It is a removable device, usually made of acrylic resin that adapts to the surface of the teeth in one of the two dental arches.

• Prevent damage caused by bruxism, such as tooth fracture, occlusal wear, abfraction and gingival recession.

• Alleviate TMJ overhead.

• Reduce the signs and symptoms of TMD.

• Decrease muscle tension in the face and neck.

  The splints can be made in the upper or lower arches, some particularities guide this choice.

  They do not have the property of moving teeth, although the patient often has this perception due to the initial sensitivity that it can cause. There is no need to worry, this picture is expected during the adaptation period, which routinely lasts a week and eventually extends a little longer.

Because the non-rigid material will encourage the patient to keep testing and biting the splint, which will easily accept compression, thus increasing muscle activity and consequently the painful stimulus.