Problems associated with the TMJ

Question 1

What are the 5 main problems associated with the TMJ?

Answer 1

1. Pain in the TMJ area
2. TMJ sounds
3. Disc derangement
4. Subluxation
5. Bruxism

Question 2

What is referred pain in the TMJ?

Answer 2

• No damage is found in the joint
• Condition in which sensory messages, seemingly coming from the area of the TMJ are actually coming from the other regions of the body

Question 3

Damage in the TMJ may cause what?

Answer 3

Pain in the TMJ

Question 4

Where do many referred pains come from?

Answer 4

Spasms in the neck or mastication muscles

Question 5

What are some treatments for referred pain?

Answer 5

Relaxants and physical therapy

Question 6

Irritation of which cranial nerves may cause pain in the TMJ?

Answer 6

V, VII, IX, and X

Question 7

Where will damage to the TMJ not be felt? Why?

Answer 7

Central portion of the disc. No nerves!

Question 8

Where will damage to the TMJ cause significant pain? Why?

Answer 8

Posterior and anterior attachments. They have nerves.

Question 9

What are some treatments for TMJ sounds?

Answer 9

Ultrasound, physical therapy, plastic splint, surgery

Question 10

Popping or clicking may occur when…

Answer 10

• The disc is pulled too far forward while opening the mouth
• The thick posterior band gets caught between the head of the condyle and the articular eminence
• The disc pops forward and displaces too far anteriorly

Question 11

Constant anterior displacement of the disc may cause…

Answer 11

Tearing of the posterior laminae and result in permanent displacement

Question 12

Tearing of the posterior laminae may occur because of…

Answer 12

Constant anterior displacement

Question 13

What is subluxation?

Answer 13

A condition in which the mouth is opened too wide and is unable to close

Question 14

What is it called when the mouth is opened too wide and is unable to close?

Answer 14

Subluxation