Question

1) Discuss the clinical significance of TMJ.
2) Discuss the clinical findings of relevance of the investigations indicated for TMJ disorders.
3) Discuss five common TMJ disorders and their management.

Answer 1

1.

TMJ or temporomandibular joint is the only movable joint in the skull and had important function in mastication and speech. It is the joint which which help the mandible to move and help in chewing action of mouth. And also the movement of this joint will varies the voice tone and help in production of speech. So it has significance in mastication and speech.

2.

Pain or tenderness of your jaw.

Pain in one or both of the temporomandibular joints.

Severe pain in and around your ear.

Difficulty in mastication or pain while chewing.

Facial pain.

Making it difficult to open or close your mouth, feel like llocking of joint

3.

TMJ dislocation is the common type of TMJ disorder. In this type the joint may dislocated from the normal site.

TMJ ankaylosis is a disorder which affect mostly due to trauma and infections

Management include supportive therapy. Where we are using physical therapy and pharmacological therapy. In pharmacological therapy we are administering analgesics to reduce the pain. Muscle relaxants and corticosteroids can also use. We can also use splints to regain the position of joints in normal position.

Hifh condylectomy, meniscectomy, orthodontic surgery, arthrocentisis, reconstruction are some irriversible interventions to correct the TMJ disorders