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Diagnostics of the temporomandibular joints

Services / Diagnostics of the temporomandibular joints

Comprehensive diagnostics provided at our Centre allows us to effectively treat and rehabilitate the temporomandibular disorders.

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The temporomandibular joint (jaw joint) joins the mandible with the temporal bone. Between the two bones there is an articular disc to ensure a perfect fit. This is one of the most complicated joints in the human body as it is composed of a number of muscles, ligaments, nerves and blood vessels important for our health.

A correct functioning of the jaw joint is essential for the physiology of the mastication organ. It is vital to ensure its correct operation because we use it every day: when we speak, sing, eat, chew gum etc.

 

 

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What are the temporomandibular disorders?

Dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint means incorrect functioning of the jaw joint, connecting the maxilla and the mandible. The joint allows the mandible to move upwards, downwards and from side to side. Every problem related to an incorrect operation of the jaw joint, such as pain, “cracking” when you open your mouth (yawn) or locking of your jaw, is a symptom of temporomandibular disorders.

Causes behind the temporomandibular disorders

  • Malocclusion
  • Missing teeth
  • Muscle strain (teeth grinding and clenching – bruxism)
  • Bad posture
  • Post-traumatic conditions
  • Stress

What are the symptoms?

If you have headaches, feel pain in the area of your temples or jawbone, involuntarily clench or grind your teeth, it may mean that you suffer from temporomandibular disorders. This is a serious problem and should not be taken lightly. Do not hesitate to visit our dental surgery in Warsaw for a consultation with joint examination. Our team is composed of highly qualified doctors specialising in diagnostics and therapy of the temporomandibular joints. We offer consultation, diagnostics and treatment, as well as post-treatment care – there is also a physiotherapist in our team specialising in rehabilitation of patients with temporomandibular diseases.

 

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Symptoms of temporomandibular disorders:

  • Pain and cracking in the joint
  • Headache, neck pain, frequent migraines
  • Earache, tinnitus
  • Grinding and clenching of teeth (bruxism)
  • Cracking in the joints when you open your mouth
  • Limitation/ blocking of the joint when you open your mouth
  • Excessive tooth wear
  • Toothache without evident cause
  • Inability to open the mouth wide, e.g. when biting an apple
  • Hypertrophy of the masseter and temporal muscle – the so-called square face

Treatment stages

  • During the first visit in the dental surgery, the doctor gathers information on your medical history and performs manual examination of the head and neck muscles, temporomandibular joints and joint capsules. He or she also assesses the function of the tongue and dentition, and checks if the upper and lower teeth come into contact correctly (occlusion). The doctor identifies the cause of the headache, face pain and backache, as well as diagnoses the problem behind cracking in the jaw joints.
  • A panoramic radiograph of the mandible is taken to examine and compare both joints.
  • After initial diagnostics, the doctor may order additional tests, such as head or spine MRI, laryngological examination or blood tests.
  • Based on the test results and the medical history, the doctor makes a thorough diagnosis and proposes the treatment for the temporomandibular joints, e.g. with an appliance relaxing the head and neck muscles worn at night (occlusal splint therapy/ dental guard) and rehabilitation of the jaw joints.
  • He or she refers you to a physiotherapist to reduce clenching of teeth and improve the muscle flexibility.
  • The patient is referred to other specialist dentists as the therapy of the temporomandibular joints is very often combined with orthodontic and prosthetic treatment (e.g. bite elevation).
  • The dentists proposes self-treatment, i.e. learning how to do exercises at home.

Physiotherapy of the temporomandibular joints  

 

Rehabilitation of the temporomandibular joints conducted by a physiotherapist consists in muscle deprogramming and relaxation based on:

 

 

  • Analysis of the body posture – this allows to detect bad posture which may cause temporomandibular disorders;
  • Head and neck examination, assessment of the cranial plane and the range of neck movements;
  • Examination of the temporomandibular joints;
  • Palpation to the muscles, examination of the head, neck and arms in terms of inflammation or pain reaction.

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Rehabilitation of the jaw joints consists in relaxation of the head, neck and spine muscles by a professional physiotherapist. The objective of the procedure is to: 

  • reduce clenching of teeth and improve muscle flexibility, 
  • relax the muscles, 
  • teach self-treatment – present exercises to practice at home. 

Benefits of the temporomandibular joint therapy:

  • Reduced tension and activity of the facial muscles
  • Reduced tooth grinding
  • Elimination of headaches, joint and neck pain
  • Peaceful sleep
  • Healthy teeth

FAQs

1. What causes the temporomandibular disorders?

There are many factors responsible for the temporomandibular disorders:

  • Stress
  • Grinding and clenching of teeth
  • Bad posture
  • Arthritis
  • Parafunctions, e.g. nail and cuticle biting, biting of pencils, excessive chewing of gum
  • Malocclusion
  • Missing teeth

 

The disorders and habits listed above affect muscles, keeping them in constant contraction and triggering pathological changes in the structure of the temporomandibular joints. Such changes lead to migraines, headaches, fatigue of the facial muscles and other disorders, e.g. spine pain, pain of the hip joint, knee pain.

2. Does the clicking and cracking when I open my mouth mean that there is something wrong with my jaw joint?

Such disorders as clicking and cracking when you open your mouth mean that your jaw joint is malfunctioning and you need to see a specialist. The doctor will recommend wearing a dental guard and will refer you to a physiotherapist to relax the muscles of your temporomandibular joints.

3. Is chewing of gum bad for the jaw joint?

Excessive chewing of gum may lead to dysfunctions of the temporomandibular joints. If you suffer from frequent headaches, cracking when you open your mouth wide, pain when yawning, we recommend that you cut down on chewing of gum to 3-4 minutes several times a day, solely for the purpose of refreshing your breath and restoring the correct pH balance in your mouth.

4. Is tooth grinding and clenching harmful?

Tooth grinding and clenching suggests bruxism, a nervous and muscle condition, manifested by clenching of the jaws and grinding of the teeth, which leads to changes in the temporomandibular joints. The therapy consists in crafting a dental guard worn by the patient on the teeth at night and as long as possible during the day. In such cases, the doctor also often recommends physiotherapy of the jaw joints. Untreated bruxism may cause numerous health problems, such as: headaches, pain of the spine, hearing or sight problems.

Our Doctors

 

physiotherapist Piotr Połowniak

Diagnostics of the temporomandibular joints

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Consultation on the temporomandibular joints with examination PLN 430
Consultation + manual therapy by a physiotherapist PLN 180
Follow-up visit (dental guard) PLN 180
Follow-up visit + manual therapy by a physiotherapist PLN 180

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Do you have a question? Call us: +48 22 660 38 00
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The highest quality of dental services is ensured by a highly qualified medical staff specialising in various fields of dentistry. The vast experience of our team is documented by numerous courses and diplomas.

The standards of treatment are also maintained thanks to the state-of-the-art medical equipment, consistent with the global trends.

In our two locations, we offer you eight modern dental surgeries, cosy waiting rooms, a digital X-ray lab and a playroom for our youngest patients.

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