A Temporomandibular Joint disorder is commonly known as TMJ. TMJ refers to all disorders of the joint that connects the skull to the jaw. To better understand the position and function of the jaw joint, you can imagine it as a kind of hinge between the jaw and the skull. The jaw joint is responsible for the proper opening and closing of the jaw and its basic functions. If a person suffers from Temporomandibular Joint disorder, there is most likely a damaged temporomandibular joint that causes a lot of pain. Another important point is that each person has two temporomandibular joints. Each joint is positioned on two sides of the jaw, right and left. People with temporomandibular joint disorders usually have pain on one side and the disorder usually affects only one side, but in rare cases it is possible to see that both jaw joints are affected and damaged.

TMJ disorders can occur for many different reasons. In this regard, correctly identifying the cause of the TMJ disorder is critical for the course of treatment. Your TMJ specialist is likely to determine a cause of your TMJ  disorder from among the following reasons:

•Impact, injury or trauma to the jaw or teeth

•Bruxism

•Bad habits such as lip biting, nail biting

•Excessive gum chewing habits

•Hereditary factors

•Different types of arteritis

•Erosion or dislocation of the disk between the jaw joint and the skull

•Stress, stress-related teeth grinding

It should be noted again that correctly identifying and diagnosing the root cause of the TMJ disorder plays a major role in the success of the treatment.

If you have a TMJ disorder, you are most likely going through a symptomatic process with a lot of pain and suffering. However, the most common symptoms of TMJ disorders can be listed as follows:

• •Jaw Pain
• Hypersensitivity and tenderness in the jaw
• Stiffened jaw muscles
• Mouth pain
• Facial pain
• Ear pain
• Feeling of tightness around the face
• Eye Pain
• Inability to squeeze the eyes, pain when squeezing
• Chewing difficulties and disorders
• Jaw locking
• A click-like sound when the mouth is opened and closed
• Visible dislocation of the jaw joint
• Ringing in the ears
• Migraine headaches

After listening to your TMJ complaints and thoroughly examining your jaw, if the dentist determines that the discomfort is temporary, he or she may recommend one of the following treatment alternatives:

•Avoid harmful habits that cause TMJ pain, such as nail biting, chewing foreign objects or excessive gum consumption;

•Quitting teeth grinding and clenching habits (You can use a teeth grinding guard)

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•Applying hot or cold compresses to the painful area

•Acupuncture

•Do not open the mouth excessively wide (such as during yawning)

•Not speaking or singing loudly and avoiding movements that strain the jaw in this way

•Switching to a softer diet or avoiding hard, chewy, hard and sticky foods.

If the TMJ disorder in question is permanent and requires a more medical intervention, one of the following methods can also be used.

•TMJ Splints: Following a TMJ disorder that may be detected after a TMJ MRI, the dentist may recommend the use of a TMJ splint. A TMJ splint is a clear appliance that can be applied to the upper or lower jaw and is designed to be positioned between the teeth. This splint is removable and is used to correct TMJ disorders caused by improper jaw closure. In some cases, the TMJ splint may only be used at night, while in other cases it may be recommended to use it for 24 hours. This is based on the complication of theTMJ disorder. Even during 24 hours of use, the patient can remove the TMJ splint when eating or brushing their teeth.

•Special-Purpose Jaw Apparatus: This apparatus, also known as a tooth-protector or jawguard, is similar to the mouthguards used by athletes and sportsmen. Specially made jaw and dental apparatus, which display high success rates in completely eliminating TMJ disorder, are also a safely preferred TMJ treatment method because they do not require any surgical intervention.

•Physical Therapy Practice: Physical therapy is also a frequently used method in the treatment of TMJ disorders. Physical therapy, which includes jaw, mouth and face exercises, also includes hot and cold compress applications and pain management in the area in question. Both the TMJ specialist and the physiotherapist should work in coordination and be able to find common ground in order to achieve the ideal result for the patient. The treatment plan depends on the structure of the jaw, the nature of the TMJ disorder in question and the individual efforts of the patient.

•TMJ Surgery: Surgical intervention may sometimes be required in TMJ disorders. In such cases, TMJ surgery is used. TMJ surgery is used in the most complicated TMJ disorders that are certain not to respond to other treatment methods. Open joint surgery, condylectomy and arthroscopy are some of the procedures that can be performed during TMJ surgery.

•Injection Therapy: Injection therapy for TMJ disorders is a treatment model used mainly for symptom and pain management. Although it is not as common as the use of appliances, splints or physiotherapy, it has been found to work in some specific cases. Depending on the nature of the condition, this treatment may consist of steroid or Botox injections.