Jaw Joint Disorders

It is the deterioration of harmony between jaw joint and the surrounding structures abruptly or in time. Symptoms that are mild at the beginning may lead to more severe disorders over time, such as severe jaw joint pain, head, neck or shoulder pain, a clicking noise coming from joint, jaw dislocation, jaw sliding, or restriction of jaw movement. The first step of the treatment process is dentist examination, which reveals causes of the disorder.

The biggest problem for patients with jaw joint disorders is to be unaware of which specialist to consult, and whom to contact with. However, jaw joint problems are treated by Specialist dentists from the Maxillofacial Surgery branch and after the correct diagnosis, the problem can be solved with various treatment methods. In some cases, doctors from the branches of otorhinolaryngology, psychiatry, neurology or physiotherapy contribute to the treatment as well.

You should contact a doctor when abnormal changes are noticed around jaw joint. Slight-feeling jaw joint pain may deteriorate the disorder. The earlier the cause is determined, the more likely the treatment to be successful.

Many factors cause jaw joint diseases. The most important of those factors are: Teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism) Stress Chewing with only one side of the jaw Wrong prosthetic procedures that affect jaws' relations with one another Missing teeth Jaw traumas and injuries Sports injuries Tumours and systemic diseases affecting the head and neck region Difficult treatments those take too long Postural disorders Neurological, psychological and psychiatric disorders Congenital anatomical disorders Parafunctional habits such as chewing gum, pencil and nail biting

Pain and fatigue around jaw and cheek while chewing. A feeling of slipping during the engagement of the jaw. Restriction in opening the mouth. Difficulty in engaging the jaw in the morning .Clicking and crepitation noise coming from the jaw. Jaw lock. Ear pain and pressure in ears. Strong headache around the temple. Pain in the neck and shoulder area. Asymmetry in the face due to volume change in masticatory muscles. Erosion on the surface of the teeth. Sensitive teeth. Decrease in the quality of life and deterioration of mood due to symptoms.