CRB CLINIC - DIGITAL DENTISTRY
Crunch in the jaw joint
Effective standards of care
License of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine AD No. 063321 dated 06.09.12
Symptoms we can help you with:
Eliminating the cause of the crunch in the jaw joint, we affect the underlying disease (TMJ dysfunction) at the same time. Thus, additional symptoms are eliminated.
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Crunch in the jaw joint - Noise in ears (tinnitus), pain in or around the ear
- Pain, crunching, clicking, popping when chewing, opening the mouth, yawning
- Headaches that are provoked by dysfunction of the jaw joint
- Limited mouth opening, asymmetry when opening/closing the mouth
- Neck pain that are provoked by dysfunction of the jaw joint
Phone consultations:
+38 044 580 40 04
+38 044 580 40 04
CRB CLINIC
DIGITAL DENTISTRY
DIGITAL DENTISTRY
Treatment of crunch
in the jaw joint
in the jaw joint
Complex identification and elimination of the causes of crunch. Treatment by influencing the muscles and ligaments, restoring the position of the jaw joint, correcting the bite.
CRB clinic
How does a crunch in the jaw joint appear?
Depending on the causes, the sounds in the jaw joint may vary slightly. It can be crunching, creaking, popping, clicking, crackling, etc. All these options are not the norm and need diagnosis and treatment.
Most often, a crunch in the jaw joint appears when chewing, opening / closing the mouth, yawning. The sound can be loud, and leads to a decrease in the quality of life, avoidance of public places and companies.
A crunch in the jaw may be accompanied by pain, limited mouth opening, tinnitus (noise in ears), and other symptoms.
The problem is common, according to statistics, 20-30% of the adult population of the planet suffer from any symptoms.
Most often, a crunch in the jaw joint appears when chewing, opening / closing the mouth, yawning. The sound can be loud, and leads to a decrease in the quality of life, avoidance of public places and companies.
A crunch in the jaw may be accompanied by pain, limited mouth opening, tinnitus (noise in ears), and other symptoms.
The problem is common, according to statistics, 20-30% of the adult population of the planet suffer from any symptoms.
The main cause of the crunch is TMJ dysfunction.
The main and most common diagnosis for a crunch in the jaw joint is TMJ dysfunction.
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction is a collective term for various problems in this area, dysfunction can be:
- the problem of muscles and ligaments of the jaw;
- the problem of the articular bag (capsule);
- a problem inside the joint (disc blockage, ligament sprain);
- arthrosis of the jaw joint.
It often happens that a patient has two or three problems at the same time (for example, a problem of the musculoskeletal system and a problem in the joint).
- the problem of muscles and ligaments of the jaw;
- the problem of the articular bag (capsule);
- a problem inside the joint (disc blockage, ligament sprain);
- arthrosis of the jaw joint.
It often happens that a patient has two or three problems at the same time (for example, a problem of the musculoskeletal system and a problem in the joint).
When there is no crunch yet, but it may appear
Read more about what symptoms indicate the possible appearance of a crunch in the near future>>>
At the initial stage of the disease, a crunch in the joint is not always observed. Other symptoms may come first.
You can suspect the disease by the initial signs:
- limited mouth opening;
- asymmetry of the movement of the lower jaw when opening/closing the mouth;
- not a smooth movement to open the mouth.
You can suspect the disease by the initial signs:
- limited mouth opening;
- asymmetry of the movement of the lower jaw when opening/closing the mouth;
- not a smooth movement to open the mouth.
CRB clinic
Three causes of crunch
in the jaw joint
in the jaw joint
We identify 3 causes of crunching in the joint with TMJ dysfunction
Сause 1 - the crunch and creak of the ligamentous apparatus
This is one of the most common causes of crunch.
This is an easy-to-treat option when the jaw joint has not yet suffered. This crunch and creak can be caused by one or more elements of the ligamentous apparatus. It could be:
✅ The joint capsule (articular bag), into which the fibers of the ligaments are woven;
✅ Ligaments that stabilize the position of the jaw, fastening the bones of the jaw and skull;
✅ Tendons of the muscles at the points of attachment of the muscles to the bones of the skull/jaw.
(Lets scroll through the gallery by clicking on the photo)
✅ The joint capsule (articular bag), into which the fibers of the ligaments are woven;
✅ Ligaments that stabilize the position of the jaw, fastening the bones of the jaw and skull;
✅ Tendons of the muscles at the points of attachment of the muscles to the bones of the skull/jaw.
(Lets scroll through the gallery by clicking on the photo)
A crunch in the ligament appears when the fibers of the ligament lose their elasticity, accumulate calcifications, and become more rigid. With any movement, the ligament is displaced and friction appears on neighboring tissues, accompanied by a crack or creak. Also, a crunch appears in the fibers of the ligament when they are stretched and returned to their original state.
Causes of problems in the musculoskeletal system
More about what causes a crunch in the ligaments >>>
The problem begins due to spasm of the facial muscles. Due to spasms, blood circulation and trophism in tissues, including ligaments, deteriorate. Ligaments lose their elasticity, become stiff and crunchy.
What causes spasms of the facial muscles? It can be hypothermia, stress, incorrect position of the head. Other causes may include improper chewing habits or the habit of holding objects in the mouth.
Often the cause is in the wrong architecture of the body, for example, a slouch or a pelvic tilt. The problem is transmitted to the higher muscles, affecting the back, shoulder girdle, neck and, ultimately, the muscles of the head.
What causes spasms of the facial muscles? It can be hypothermia, stress, incorrect position of the head. Other causes may include improper chewing habits or the habit of holding objects in the mouth.
Often the cause is in the wrong architecture of the body, for example, a slouch or a pelvic tilt. The problem is transmitted to the higher muscles, affecting the back, shoulder girdle, neck and, ultimately, the muscles of the head.
Сause 2 - Jaw joint instability
May appear following musculoskeletal problems
Instability of the articular head of the jaw joint can occur due to overstretching of the ligaments inside the joint and due to excessive displacement of the intraarticular disc. There are cases of complete blocking of the disk. This is the last stage of such displacement. In this case, the trajectory of the movement of the head of the joint changes pathologically.
(Lets scroll through the gallery by clicking on the photo)
(Lets scroll through the gallery by clicking on the photo)
The patient has a feeling that the joint is walking, beating, a feeling of displacement, discomfort in the joint.
The crunch and clicks occur when the head of the joint slips off the disc surface or returns to its original position.
The condition of the disk itself also worsens, gradually it loses moisture, elasticity, and cracks. The movement of the head over the depleted disk also causes a crunch and crackle. The final stage of these processes is the complete blocking of the disk and then its destruction. At the blocking stage, the crunching and clicking usually stops - but this is an alarming symptom, signaling a serious neglect of the problem. Limited mouth opening is also a signal for future disc blockage.
The crunch and clicks occur when the head of the joint slips off the disc surface or returns to its original position.
The condition of the disk itself also worsens, gradually it loses moisture, elasticity, and cracks. The movement of the head over the depleted disk also causes a crunch and crackle. The final stage of these processes is the complete blocking of the disk and then its destruction. At the blocking stage, the crunching and clicking usually stops - but this is an alarming symptom, signaling a serious neglect of the problem. Limited mouth opening is also a signal for future disc blockage.
Causes of instability of the head of the jaw joint
Read more about why crunching occurs inside the jaw joint>>>
In this case, the root cause is the wrong bite. Due to wrong bite, the tone of the jaw muscles on the right and left is uneven. Because of this, the position of the jaw changes and, as a result, the load on the jaw joints increases. Further, with any movement of the jaw, chewing, talking, the condition of the joint worsens all the time. If the situation is not corrected in time, the movements in the joint become pathologically incorrect, the ligaments, the intraarticular disk and the head of the joint itself suffer.
What causes the wrong bite?
Wrong bite can be the result of dental problems. This may be the absence of some teeth or their incorrect position, tooth wear, their incorrect height, etc.
Such a problem as tooth wear occurs due to spasm of the jaw muscles. For example, due to stress, a person clenches his teeth strongly in his sleep, grinds his teeth in his sleep.
The second most common cause of TMJ dysfunction is orthodontic correction - the installation of braces, aligners, etc. Such treatment can also cause spasms of the facial muscles and lead to improper stress on the jaw joint.
What causes the wrong bite?
Wrong bite can be the result of dental problems. This may be the absence of some teeth or their incorrect position, tooth wear, their incorrect height, etc.
Such a problem as tooth wear occurs due to spasm of the jaw muscles. For example, due to stress, a person clenches his teeth strongly in his sleep, grinds his teeth in his sleep.
The second most common cause of TMJ dysfunction is orthodontic correction - the installation of braces, aligners, etc. Such treatment can also cause spasms of the facial muscles and lead to improper stress on the jaw joint.
Сause 3 - Arthrosis of the temporomandibular joint
Arthrosis is a variety of degenerative processes that occur in the joint. It could be:
✅ deformation of the intra-articular cartilaginous disc up to its complete destruction;
✅ flattening or deformation of the articular head;
✅ the appearance of bone growths, etc.
✅ deformation of the intra-articular cartilaginous disc up to its complete destruction;
✅ flattening or deformation of the articular head;
✅ the appearance of bone growths, etc.
Because of these processes, movement in the joint is difficult, the interaction of articular surfaces, ligaments, intraarticular disc is accompanied by a crunch, creak, clicks.
(Lets scroll through the gallery by clicking on the photo)
(Lets scroll through the gallery by clicking on the photo)
Causes of arthrosis
Learn more about what causes of arthrosis >>>
Arthrosis is an extremely advanced stage of joint damage. The cause for its development is untreated problems in the two previous stages:
✅ myofascial syndrome - spasmodic muscles impair blood circulation and nutrition, including joint tissues, which leads to degeneration;
✅ wrong load on the joint as a result of wrong bite leads to rapid wear of the articular surfaces, overstretching of the ligaments, deformation and destruction of the intraarticular disc.
✅ myofascial syndrome - spasmodic muscles impair blood circulation and nutrition, including joint tissues, which leads to degeneration;
✅ wrong load on the joint as a result of wrong bite leads to rapid wear of the articular surfaces, overstretching of the ligaments, deformation and destruction of the intraarticular disc.
CRB clinic
Treatment of crunch in the jaw joint
TMJ Dysfunction Treatment Protocol
The main task of the consultation is to confirm or refute the presence of TMJ dysfunction, and to identify the cause of the dysfunction. We pay attention to the condition of the teeth, the height of the bite, the wear of the teeth, the condition of the muscles of the face and jaw, the range of motion when opening/closing the mouth, the symmetry of the face, etc. The doctor conducts a survey, examination, palpation, functional tests and scanning of the teeth (2 jaws + occlusion).
Comprehensive diagnostics includes additional studies. Diagnostics allows you to more thoroughly study the state of the dentoalveolar system, and adjacent areas that affect the jaw joints (posture, cervical vertebrae, muscles of the neck and shoulders).
Based on the results of the diagnosis, a step-by-step treatment plan is drawn up.
Diagnostics includes: CT scan of the jaws and joints, examination of teeth under a microscope, periodontal screening test, photo protocol, tooth scanning (2 jaws + occlusion), Batterfly measurements, functional tests for nerve conduction.
At this stage, the patient undergoes physiotherapy, and also uses a starting mouthguard to separate the joints. By measuring the muscle response to these stimuli, we can determine the duration of treatment in the future. In addition, the procedures themselves and wearing a mouthguard already have a therapeutic effect and relieve symptoms.
The complex includes consultation and diagnostics of an orthopedist-vertebroneurologist. It identifies problems in body architecture that affect the TMJ.
Based on the results of the diagnosis, a step-by-step treatment plan is drawn up.
Diagnostics includes: CT scan of the jaws and joints, examination of teeth under a microscope, periodontal screening test, photo protocol, tooth scanning (2 jaws + occlusion), Batterfly measurements, functional tests for nerve conduction.
At this stage, the patient undergoes physiotherapy, and also uses a starting mouthguard to separate the joints. By measuring the muscle response to these stimuli, we can determine the duration of treatment in the future. In addition, the procedures themselves and wearing a mouthguard already have a therapeutic effect and relieve symptoms.
The complex includes consultation and diagnostics of an orthopedist-vertebroneurologist. It identifies problems in body architecture that affect the TMJ.
The council is needed in order to choose the most optimal treatment tactics for the patient. All doctors of the clinic participate in the council, including orthopedic dentists, general practitioner, gnathologist, surgeon, orthopedic vertebroneurologist, and rehabilitation specialist.
All diagnostic data are summarized, analyzed, tactics and a step-by-step treatment plan are discussed at the council. The individual characteristics of each patient are taken into account.
All diagnostic data are summarized, analyzed, tactics and a step-by-step treatment plan are discussed at the council. The individual characteristics of each patient are taken into account.
TMJ dysfunction is not only a problem in the joint itself, but also problems of the muscles and ligaments surrounding the joint. At the first stage of treatment, we use physiotherapy and uncoupling caps to restore muscles and ligaments. The result of the stage is a uniform muscle tone and a decrease in symptoms.
The purpose of sanitation is the elimination of any inflammatory processes in the oral cavity. This is a set of procedures for the treatment of teeth, gums, periodontal tissues, mucous membranes, etc.
Treatment of malocclusion is carried out in the presence of individual indications. We make temporary constructions, dental crowns, carry out grinding, orthodontic treatment.
The main task of the stage is to restore the correct position of the articular surfaces and the intraarticular disc relative to each other. Correction is easy and painless due to preliminary work with muscles and ligaments.
In the correct position of the joint, diagnostics are carried out using digital equipment (Facial Bow Zebris, T-Scan). The readings of the position of the jaws are taken in order to fix this position with the help of the correction of the dentition / bite. The order and strength of the closing of the teeth is determined for correction (if it is necessary).
In the correct position of the joint, diagnostics are carried out using digital equipment (Facial Bow Zebris, T-Scan). The readings of the position of the jaws are taken in order to fix this position with the help of the correction of the dentition / bite. The order and strength of the closing of the teeth is determined for correction (if it is necessary).
This stage is carried out if there are indications: the absence of teeth, the need to change bridges, crowns, etc.
Prosthetics may include implantation, installation of dental crowns, dental bridges.
Prosthetics may include implantation, installation of dental crowns, dental bridges.
What do we use for diagnosis and treatment?
Attention! Self-medication is dangerous for your health. The information is provided to familiarize you with the methods of treatment at the CRB clinic. The effectiveness of treatment depends on the focus of influence on each procedure.
- 3D scanner Medit i700The latest model scanner allows you to create perfectly accurate digital impressions of teeth (accuracy of 11 microns), which means that the crown or veneer will also turn out perfect. Medit i700 is the winner of the 2021 Cellerant Best of Class Technology Award.
- CT scanner HYPERION X9 PROProduction of high-quality 3D CT images directly in the clinic facilitates and speeds up the diagnosis and treatment process. The CT device allows you to get pictures of the jaws and teeth, jaw joints, a teleroentgenogram, etc.
- Ukrainian factory microscope ScanerToday, the Ukrainian dental microscope is one of the best in quality and ergonomics among the world's analogues. We carry out all procedures under a microscope: dental treatment, canal treatment, teeth cleaning, orthopedic treatment.
- TMJ correctionCorrection or reduction of the joints means restoring the correct position of the articular surfaces and the intraarticular disc relative to each other. Correction requires a highly qualified doctor and preliminary preparation of muscles and ligaments with the help of physiotherapy.
- Shock wave therapy StorzMedicalThe shock wave affects the muscles and ligaments, relieves spasms, improves blood circulation, destroys calcifications. Muscle tone normalizes, elasticity of muscles and ligaments increases, pain, crunch and other symptoms decrease.
- Orthopedic capCompensates for the negative impact of malocclusion on the jaw joint. Stabilizes the joint. Allows you to quickly reduce the symptoms of TMD: pain, crunching, tinnitus, etc.