TMJ

“TMJ” refers to the 2 joints on either side of our heads that are responsible for holding and bracing our jaws against our heads. Our TMJs are an intricate system of ligaments, muscles, tendons and bones that work together to help hold our lower jaws in place and allow us to open and close our mouths and of course, to chew.

Clicking and popping are sounds that our jaw joints make when a band of tissue between the upper and lower jaw bones is moved out of place but then returns to the normal position when we either open or close our mouths. If you’ve ever yawned or opened your mouth widely to bite certain foods, you may have noticed your joints making sounds or moving out of place. Unless associated with pain, a locked jaw, or broken and worn teeth, this may not require treatment and many patients have clicking and popping of their joints with no pain or discomfort and with no necessary treatment. However, if you will need dental treatment, it is important to identify all joint noises and any other related TMJ condition in order to prevent a more serious joint problem or pain.

Dr. Barakat’s comprehensive dental examination will include checking your TMJs and your jaw muscles for tenderness, pain or other related problems such as broken or worn teeth and painful ears. She will take a complete history of your jaw and joint conditions as well as any history of trauma, headaches, neck pain or any impact to the face and head such as a motor vehicle or sports related accident.

Any history of sleep-related disorders, arthritis, teeth grinding, clenching, and excessive gum chewing can also be contributing factors to problems associated with our jaw joints and jaw muscles. Each will have its own treatment modality and preventive methods to reduce pain or damage to teeth or the structures around our joints. Dr. Barakat will evaluate your condition and determine which treatment, if needed, will be the most appropriate.