Amelia Grant

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) joins your mandible (lower jaw) with your skull. The joint is located in front of your ears on both sides of your head. It helps you to speak and eat by allowing your jaw to open and close.

The abbreviation "TMJ" has also been used to refer to a collection of jaw-related medical problems. However, to distinguish the temporomandibular joint itself from TMJ disorders, this is now usually shortened as "TMD" or "TMJ."

TMJ issues affect up to 10 million Americans, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research Trusted Source. Women are more likely to develop them than men.

These illnesses are curable, however, they can be caused by a variety of factors. This can make diagnosing a problem.

TMJ problem symptoms vary depending on the degree and source of your disease. TMJ disorders are characterized by pain in the jaw and surrounding muscles.

According to a study from the year 2021, Other symptoms commonly connected with these illnesses, according to Trusted Source, include:
- Stiffness in the jaw muscles, discomfort in the face or neck
- Restricted jaw movement
- TMJ site dental difficulties, such as tooth wear tinnitus (ringing in the ear) and locking of the jaw clicking accompanied by a  cracking sound from the TMJ site 
- Vertigo headaches cause movement in the jaw, causing the upper and lower teeth to align incorrectly (malocclusion). Symptoms may appear on one side of the face or both.

TMJ condition has no known "cure," therefore treatments focus on reducing pain and improving function. Before attempting invasive or surgical treatments, the National Institute of Health suggests conservative, non-invasive therapy to be tried first. Many doctors will prescribe a pain-relieving self-care routine that you can follow at home. If conservative treatments fail to relieve your discomfort or your function is severely restricted, more aggressive therapy may be required.

TMJ condition treatment varies based on the sort of clinician seen. A dentist will examine the relationship between your teeth and jaw to determine if a malocclusion (bad bite) is causing your problems. They may build a splint to cover and protect your teeth if you grind your teeth at night (bruxism), by guiding your bite in the appropriate way, or trying to recapture a disc. Splints come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with its own set of purposes. The sort of splint used by the doctor is determined by your symptoms and diagnosis.

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon performs surgery, which can encompass a variety of treatments. The arthrocentesis treatment is the most common procedure for TMJ problem patients. Following the arthrocentesis procedure, further operations such as arthroscopy, arthroplasty, or total joint replacement may be performed. Please keep in mind that surgery is only required in a tiny fraction of TMJ condition sufferers. When considering surgery, getting a second, third, fourth, or even fifth opinion is always a good idea.

Because these therapies can be costly and aren't always covered by insurance, it's critical that you and your doctor do your research before proceeding. It's also vital to note that there are no "TMJ Specialists'' who are board qualified. Because there is currently no professional organization that certifies doctors or dentists who treat TMJ conditions, a physician can claim to be a "TMJ Specialist" even if they have little or no training in the field.

What Doctors Treat TMJ Disorder?
Because TMJ issue patients have a wide range of symptoms, TMJ treatment may need a team of doctors with various specialties. A neurologist can treat headaches, an ENT expert can evaluate ear problems, and a pain management specialist can treat pain.

Splints may be used by a dentist to fix bite problems, and an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon (OMS) can help with surgical and non-surgical options. Physiotherapists, Acupuncturists, Chiropractors, Osteopaths, Orthodontists, Nutritionists, Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Massage Therapists, and family doctors are all possible members of a patient's care team (PCP or GP).