Jaw Joint Treatment and Splint Applications
Jaw joint disorders refer to issues occurring in the bones and soft tissues of the joint connecting the lower jaw to the upper jaw. Symptoms can range from simple clicking sounds to serious problems like jaw locking. These disorders may arise from various causes such as accidents, improper treatments, stress, and habitual behaviors. Jaw joint disorders tend to worsen over time, so the earlier the treatment begins, the higher the success rate.
Problems/Diseases Caused by Jaw Joint Disorders
- Clicking sounds from the jaw during eating
- Jaw locking or getting stuck
- Pain
- Restricted mouth opening
Causes of Jaw Joint Disorders
The causes can be categorized into three main groups:
1) Dental Treatments:
- Prolonged mouth opening during procedures like wisdom tooth extraction
- Following orthodontic treatments
- Improperly made crowns and fillings
2) Personal Habits:
- Lip biting
- Sleeping face down
- Resting the hand on the chin
- Excessive gum chewing
- Prolonged exposure to wind (especially for motorcyclists)
- Poor posture
3) Stress:
- Stress is a significant contributor to jaw joint complaints.
- Individuals under intense stress often clench their facial muscles, placing excessive pressure on the jaw joint.
What is Teeth Grinding or Clenching?
Teeth grinding is a condition observed during sleep and, if not addressed, can lead to serious issues in the future, such as gum recession, tooth fractures, and joint complaints.
Teeth grinding occurs when the stress accumulated during the day is released unconsciously at night, causing the teeth to slide against each other.
What Problems Does Teeth Grinding or Clenching Cause?
It can lead to tooth wear and even fractures, gum recession resulting in sensitivity to cold and hot, joint disorders due to excessive load on the jaw joint, and annoyance caused by the noise for those nearby.
What is the Treatment for Teeth Grinding or Clenching?
Customized soft or hard night guards are recommended based on your dental measurements. These guards need to be replaced periodically. Reducing daily stress is also crucial for successful treatment.
Do I Only Clench My Teeth at Night?
Contrary to popular belief, teeth clenching is not limited to nighttime and can also occur during the day. Awareness of this can help prevent it.
What Are the Symptoms of Jaw Joint Disorders?
Jaw joint disorders do not develop overnight. They gradually manifest and, if left untreated, can lead to more severe issues over time (e.g., jaw locking, dislocation, inability to open the mouth).
Symptoms include:
- Clicking sound while opening the jaw
- Jaw sticking during yawning
- Difficulty opening the jaw in the morning
- Pain in the ear area while eating
- Neck and back pain (especially in women)
Can My Jaw Dislocate If I Don’t Treat My Jaw Joint Disorder?
In advanced stages, permanent deformations in the joint tissues and structures may occur, causing the joint head to move forward beyond its normal position during jaw movements, leading to dislocation. While the jaw can be repositioned with simple maneuvers, the main issue is the frequent recurrence of this condition and the severe pain it causes.
What Should I Pay Attention to If I Have Jaw Joint Complaints?
- Stick to a soft diet for three weeks.
- Avoid excessive yawning.
- Do not sleep face down.
- Quit habits like lip-biting.
- Apply warm compresses to the joint area in the morning.
- Avoid stress as much as possible.
What Is the Role of Stress in Jaw Joint Disorders?
Facial muscles can contract in response to even minor stimuli. Stress causes prolonged muscle tension, leading to forceful teeth contact and pressure on the joint.
What Should I Follow During Jaw Joint Treatment?
Use your splint as recommended by your doctor and follow their advice carefully.
What is a Joint Splint?
A joint splint is a custom-made transparent mouthguard used to relax the muscles and regulate jaw closure. It minimizes functional disorders and prevents the damage caused by teeth grinding.
How Long Does the Treatment Last?
The treatment process typically lasts 3–6 months.
When Is a Joint Splint Made?
- Jaw joint pain and discomfort
- Pain and discomfort in chewing muscles
- Sounds from the jaw joint
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Bite irregularities and dental crowding
- Restricted mouth opening and unwanted lateral jaw movements
How to Maintain a Joint Splint?
After removal, wash the splint under cold water using liquid soap and a brush. Avoid toothpaste and hot water, as they can cause deformation. Store it in a dry environment in its case until the next use.
What Are the Steps of Joint Splint Treatment at Dentgroup Clinics?
- Oral examination and diagnosis.
- If suitable, digital measurements are taken for a joint splint.
- The splint is digitally designed and produced in a laboratory.
- The splint’s fit is checked in the mouth, and adjustments are made if necessary.
- Instructions on using the splint are provided.
- Adjustments are made during follow-up appointments if needed.
- Alternative treatments may be applied depending on the progress.
How Often Should I Have Follow-Up Appointments?
Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled for:
- Week 1
- Month 1
- Month 3
- Month 6
(Appointment frequency may vary depending on the cause and severity of the joint problem.)
How Can I Tell If I’m Recovering from Jaw Joint Treatment?
Full recovery may not always be possible, depending on the severity of the disorder. The main criterion for improvement is the patient’s ability to perform daily jaw movements (eating, speaking, swallowing, etc.) without pain.
Are There Physical Therapy Exercises I Need to Do Alongside the Joint Splint?
In some cases, your doctor may recommend exercises to strengthen muscles or increase jaw mobility.
How Do I Know If I Have a Jaw Joint Disorder?
Jaw joint disorders can present various symptoms, ranging from clicking sounds to jaw locking or pain. If you notice any unusual symptoms, consult your doctor, as the stage of the disorder is crucial for treatment.
Who Should I Consult for TMJ Disorders?
A TMJ issue should be addressed by a maxillofacial surgeon (oral and maxillofacial specialist). Accurate diagnosis is the first step toward effective treatment, which may involve support from ENT, psychiatry, neurology, or physical therapy specialists, depending on the case.
What Is the Jaw Joint and How Does It Work?
The jaw joint connects the lower jawbone to the temporal bone of the skull, located near the temple. It works with jaw muscles to facilitate chewing and speaking. A cartilage disc cushions the bones, preventing friction and wear, and supporting joint movement. Ligaments hold the system together. A normal person uses their jaw joint 1,500–2,000 times daily.
What Is a Jaw Joint Disorder?
Jaw joint disorders occur when the harmony between the joint and surrounding structures is disrupted, either suddenly or over time. Mild symptoms can escalate to severe pain, head, neck, and shoulder pain, joint sounds, dislocations, or limited movement. Diagnosis by a dentist is the first step in treatment.
Who Should I Consult for Jaw Joint Disorders?
Specialized or experienced dentists handle jaw joint disorders. Depending on the condition, support from ENT specialists, psychiatrists, neurologists, or physical therapists may also be necessary.
When Should I Seek Help?
Consult a doctor upon noticing any abnormal changes in the jaw joint area. Early detection increases treatment success.
How Do Jaw Joint Disorders Develop?
Factors contributing to jaw joint disorders include:
- Teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism)
- Stress
- Habitual one-sided chewing
- Improper prosthetic dental work
- Missing teeth
- Trauma or injuries to the jaw
- Sports injuries
- Tumors or systemic illnesses affecting the head and neck area
- Long and traumatic dental procedures
- Poor posture
- Neurological, psychological, or psychiatric issues
- Congenital anatomical anomalies
- Habits like gum chewing, pencil biting, and nail-biting
What Are the Symptoms of Jaw Joint Disorders?
- Pain and fatigue in the jaw and cheek during chewing
- A sensation of slipping when opening and closing the jaw
- Decreased mouth opening
- Difficulty opening the jaw in the morning
- Clicking or grinding sounds from the jaw
- Jaw locking
- Ear pain and pressure sensation
- Headaches centered in the temple
- Pain in the neck and shoulder areas
- Facial asymmetry due to muscle volume changes
- Tooth wear and sensitivity
- Reduced quality of life and psychological distress from the symptoms
What Is the Role of Stress and Teeth Grinding in Jaw Joint Disorders?
Daily stress often leads to unconscious teeth grinding or clenching, which goes unnoticed by most people. Continuous clenching causes muscle tension and excessive pressure on the jaw joint, leading to pain and irreversible changes. Early consultation with a dentist is crucial.
What Are the Diagnosis and Treatment Methods for Teeth Grinding?
A detailed examination of teeth, bite systems, chewing muscles, and the jaw joint is conducted. Imaging techniques like MRIs may be used if necessary.
Complete recovery is not always possible. The aim is to restore normal and pain-free jaw functions for the patient. Treatments may include joint splints, exercises, painkillers, muscle relaxants, or botox. The treatment approach depends on the severity of the condition, and patient cooperation is vital in this process.
The Author of the Article: Dr. Dt. Tuğrul Saygı