TMJ, also called a temporomandibular joint, is a hinge joint that connects the lower jaw to the bone at the side of the head or, in simple words, to the skull. This joint exhibits both sliding and hinging movements. Because of this unique movement and arrangement of muscles around it, any disorder related to TMJ presents challenges during treatment.
TMJ disorders are collectively termed as TMDs. There are various hypotheses suggesting the causes of these disorders, which predominantly include psychological distress.
While pain is a common symptom, some cases of TMJ cause swelling in the affected area.
What are TMDs?
Disorders affecting the temporomandibular joint, the muscles, ligaments, and bones are collectively call Temporomandibular disorders, i.e. TMD. There is no single clear cause of TMJ disorder, and it is consider to be a multi factorial process. Various factors aggravate the disorder. Some etiologies are list below:
- Parafunctional habits like clenching or grinding of teeth as seen with bruxism.
- Psychological distress.
- Trauma
- Trauma, because of dental procedures that are continue for a long time, very wide opening of the mouth causing hyper extension of the jaw and muscles.
- Presence of degenerative disorders such as arthritis.
Common Signs and Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
A variety of symptoms can appear with TMJ disorders, often overlooked until pain, difficulty opening the mouth, or TMJ face swelling becomes noticeable. Some of these are as follows:
- Pain and tenderness in the jaw is a common symptom of TMJ disorders.
- Stiffness of muscles of the jaws, which restricts the mouth opening.
- Radiating pain in the jaw, temples, face, periauricular area, or inside the ear.
- A popping or clicking sound in the joint while opening or closing the mouth is a classic sign of disc displacement.
- Deviation in the jaw movement while closing the mouth or locking the jaw in one place.
- Tinnitus, earache, and loss of hearing are ear-associated symptoms of TMJ disorders.
- Frequent headaches or facial pain could be an indication of TMDs
- TMJ causes swelling, showing facial deformity.
When Does TMJ Cause Swelling?
The appearance of swelling is not a very common symptom, but it is present in many conditions, indicating inflammation of the joint. This is a serious concern that may require immediate treatment after a thorough diagnosis and examination.
Some conditions where TMJ cause swelling are :
Synovitis or Capsulitis:
TMJ is made up of the synovial cavity, articular cartilage, and capsule, which consists of the capsular ligament, collectively housing the joint. Inflammation of the synovial tissue and capsular ligament is called synovitis and capsulitis. It is an inflammatory condition of the joint, presenting with continuous pain and limited movement of the jaw.
This condition results from trauma, excessive mouth opening, condylar displacement, or the migration of inflammatory products from surrounding structures.
Retrodiscitis:
Retrodiscal tissue is a mass of soft tissue that is also referred to as posterior attachment. Inflammation of this tissue is called retrodiscitis. This condition is usually a result of traumatic injury, chronic disc displacement, and dislocation.
This condition causes TMJ face swelling. Continuous pain in the TMJ, which increases with clenching, is another presentation of the disorder.
Osteoarthritis:
This condition of TMJ causes swelling of the face. It is very common in women and affects older adults. Some symptoms of this condition are stiffness of TMJ, especially in the morning hours. Mouth opening is limited and also shows deviation while opening and closing of the mouth.
Masticatory muscle spasms and pain even when the person is at rest are classic signs of this condition.
Infectious or Septic Arthritis:
This is a common condition in people with underlying systemic diseases. Individuals taking immunosuppressive drugs chronically are prone to septic arthritis. The articular surfaces and the joint can become secondarily infected due to blood-borne bacterial infection.
Swelling, tenderness, and a rise in temperature at the joint site are characteristics that indicate the presence of septic arthritis. The patient often has a history of constant pain that increases with function.
Ganglion Cyst of TMJ
This is a rare condition that affects the TMJ. Its occurrence is more common around the hand and wrist areas. It is a cystic lesion fill with a thick fluid that moves freely when palpate.
This cyst with TMJ causes swelling in the preauricular area along with limited mouth opening. This cyst has a gender predilection for women in their middle ages, specifically between 25 and 55 years.
Synovial Cyst of TMJ
This is also a very rare condition that affects TMJ. It is similar to ganglion cysts in nature and causes TMJ face swelling along with persistent pain. These cysts are diagnose with the help of radiographs and are surgically remove. Other symptoms of this cyst include headache, crepitus, malocclusion, facial nerve palsy, etc as it continues to grow in size.
However, these cystic lesions are benign and can be obliterated.
Treatments of TMD
Most TMDs do not require any extensive approach, and dentists typically opt for conservative treatments. TMD can be manage with self-care practices, physical exercises, and therapy to relieve pain and stiffness in the joints, as well as to increase mouth opening.
Pain medications are also prescribe to help ease discomfort, and muscle relaxants are prescribe to assist with muscle spasms and stiffness. If the patient does not respond to a conservative approach, dentists may proceed with surgical procedures to address the disorder.
Visit your family dentist regularly to monitor any abnormal movements or symptoms involving the TMJ.
Conclusion
The treatment and relief of TMJ disorders depend on the underlying cause. If you experience frequent stiffness in the muscles that reduces your mouth opening, along with clicking when opening and closing the joint and occasional pain, it’s crucial to visit your dentist for assessment, especially since TMJ cause swelling in some cases.
If you begin presenting with any of the symptoms of TMJ disorders, the experts at Valley Ridge Dental can advise you on the best course of action. Our experienced specialists can also help you create an effective oral hygiene routine for long-term health.
Schedule an appointment with us today to unlock comprehensive dental healthcare!
Reach out to us at (651) 439-0322 or
Visit us at 12425, 55th St, N Suite B, Lake Elmo, MN 55042
