Pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most common disorders that can affect both function and quality of life. This joint, which connects the jaw to the skull, is vital for everyday activities such as speaking. From our dental clinic in Malaga we know that when someone suffers some kind of alteration like these, the symptoms can spread beyond the mandibular area and generate other types of problems that are often not directly related to the mouth but are fully connected.
What can cause pain in TMJ?
TMJ pain can have multiple causes, from trauma to functional imbalances or muscle tensions. One of the most frequent ones we see and that is treated in many clinics is bruxism, which consists of clenching or grinding the teeth in an unconscious way, especially during the night when the person sleeps and does not realize the pressure he is exerting. This habit causes overload in the joint, which can lead to inflammation, muscle contractures and even limitations in mandibular movement.
It is also common for patients to develop this discomfort due to alterations in the dental occlusion, I mean, a bite that is not properly aligned. This causes the joint to work in an unbalanced way, which over time produces a progressive fatigue of the structure.
¿Cómo se trata el dolor en la articulación temporomandibular?
Pain in the temporomandibular joint must be personalized and start from a very rigorous diagnosis by the professional. To do this, the dentist performs a complete and very detailed clinical examination of the patient’s mouth, which can be supplemented with x-rays, bite studies or 3D scanners, this will depend on the tools that the clinic has, we have all kinds of technology to give you the best solution
Once the origin of the dental problem has been identified, the most appropriate treatment is established to improve the patient’s oral health.
In the mildest cases, it is usually sufficient to use night-time discharge splints, custom designed to reduce muscle tension and protect the joint. When the problem is occlusal, correction by orthodontics or adjustments to the contact surface of the teeth may be required.
The importance of clinical monitoring and prevention
One-off treatment is not enough. Clinical follow-up is essential to check the patient’s progress and adjust treatment according to the response obtained. Similarly, good postural hygiene habits, maintaining a balanced occlusion and controlling stress are key measures to prevent recurrence of the problem.
Main symptoms associated with TMJ pain
The pain in the temporomandibular joint can manifest itself in different ways, not always located in the jaw as we have said. Some of them are:
- Joint noises or clicks: it is common to notice clicks when opening or closing the mouth, indicative of an alteration in the articular disc or a lack of coordination in the mandibular movement.
- Frequent headaches: many patients with TMJ dysfunction experience tension headaches, as muscle overload is reflected in the temples or neck.
- Limited mouth opening: there may be difficulty in fully opening the mouth or a feeling of “blocking” it, affecting basic functions such as yawning or eating normally.
In Clínica Dental Gross Dentistas we have professionals specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of pain in ATM. We use advanced technology and a holistic approach to provide real, customized solutions for each of our patients. If you have any problems of this type, do not wait any longer and contact our team.
Ortodoncista especializada en el sistema de ortodoncia invisible, extensa trayectoria profesional y un gran número de pacientes satisfechos con los resultados obtenidos tras la finalización de su tratamiento.