What is Temporomandibular Disorder?

Jaw joint disorder is a complex problem that affects the system consisting of chewing muscles, head and neck muscles, joint ligaments, teeth, cheek, lips and salivary glands and especially the jaw joint.

• There are many causes of jaw joint problems. Foremost among them are,
• Teeth clenching and grinding,
• Bad habits such as lip biting, nail biting, finger sucking,
• Factors such as accidents, impacts, falls, and crashes that lead to a jaw trauma,
• An abnormal relationship between the upper and lower teeth.

• Difficulty opening your mouth,
• A sound coming from your chin while eating,
• Pain and fatigue in the facial area,
• Sudden pain in the jaw joint, face and neck muscles,
• Pain and fatigue when chewing or talking,
• One-way slip of the chin,
• Pain in teeth and ears,
• Facial swelling,
• Problems in the ears, especially hearing and ringing,
• Headache and dizziness,
• Pain and pressure around the eyes,
• Dizziness.

A detailed examination by the dentist is required to diagnose the jaw joint problem. In addition to the examination, detailed imaging methods such as MRI are also used.

The main purpose of treatment in jaw joint problem is to regulate the pressure on the jaw joint. If the correct diagnosis is made, it can be controlled by the use of orthopedic apparatus (splint), patient education, physical treatment and medication when necessary.