Disorders of temporomandibular joint Flashcards
Outline
the TMJ + muscles of mastication may be subjected to excessive strain + produce variety of effects, ranging from spasm of muscles to degenerative changes in the joint
Most common symptoms
pain or tenderness over the joint, clicking noises + restricted movement of the mandible
As with any joint,
the TMJ can be affected by osteoarthritis + require use of anti-inflammatories or steroids to relieve painful symptoms. in extreme cases involving younger pts; the joints can be replaced by artificial prostheses such as with hip + knee replacements
Abnormal or parafunctional habits of pt
especially habitual clenching + grinding of teeth over long periods. these habits tend to exhaust the joint musculature + cause pain + discomfort, + the parafunctinal action is called bruxism
Trismus
involuntary painful contracture of the joint musculature, resulting in ability to open the mouth fully
Face +/or neck pain
often worse in morning following night of bruxing + eased by relaxation + use of anti-inflammatories
Attrition
enamel wear facets on the teeth, due to constant grinding of occlusal + incisal surfaces of each arch against the other
Restorative failure
repetitive fracture + loss of dental restorations, with r without tooth fracture, due to excessive + prolonged occlusal forces produced
Sore mouth
especially tongue + cheeks, where cheek ridges + tongue scalloping develops as the tongue is thrust against the teeth + cheeks are bitten
Following diagnosis + advice
can often be in relation to stress, treatment involves counselling, use of anti-inflammatories + muscles relaxants, exercises + physiotherapy + sometimes provision of night guards or splints
Trismus may also occur when
a pt is suffering from pericorontitis (acute inflammation of the operculum of an erupting lower wisdom tooth), following surgical extraction of these teeth of during a bout of viral disease mumps (acute infection of the parotid salivary glands)
