CRB CLINIC DIGITAL DENTISTRY
Pain in the jaw joint
Pain in the facial muscles, temples, headaches
License of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine AD No. 063321 dated 06.09.12.
On this page we discuss pain caused by TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction.
Symptoms we can
help you with:
help you with:
By eliminating pain in the jaw joint, we simultaneously address the underlying condition (TMJ dysfunction). This also eliminates additional symptoms.
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Pain in the jaw, jaw joint, ear area, pain in the facial muscles - Noise, ringing, squeaking, whistling in the ears, congestion, numbness of the ear
- Spasms of facial muscles, involuntary clenching of the jaws
- Headaches, neck pain caused by dysfunction of the jaw joint
- Limitation in opening the mouth, incorrect opening/closing of the mouth
- Cervical spine pain, muscle tension
Consultations by phone:
044 580 40 04
044 580 40 04
CRB CLINIC
DIGITAL DENTISTRY
DIGITAL DENTISTRY
Treatment of jaw joint pain
THE MAIN AND MOST COMMON DIAGNOSIS FOR JAW JOINT PAIN IS TMJ DYSFUNCTION
Why does pain in the jaw joint occur?
The main cause of jaw joint pain is the displacement of the jaw from its normal position to a new one.
This results in asynchronous muscle function (some muscle groups become overstrained and stressed). Additionally, excessive tension is placed on the ligaments that support the jaw joints. This also causes the jaw joints to shift, resulting in injury. Improper functioning of the muscles, ligaments, and joints can affect nerve endings, compressing or injuring them.
All of these processes cause pain.
The above-described jaw joint dysfunctions are called TMJ dysfunction.
Read on to learn more about TMJ dysfunction and the common causes of pain.
This results in asynchronous muscle function (some muscle groups become overstrained and stressed). Additionally, excessive tension is placed on the ligaments that support the jaw joints. This also causes the jaw joints to shift, resulting in injury. Improper functioning of the muscles, ligaments, and joints can affect nerve endings, compressing or injuring them.
All of these processes cause pain.
The above-described jaw joint dysfunctions are called TMJ dysfunction.
Read on to learn more about TMJ dysfunction and the common causes of pain.
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction is a disorder of the jaw joints, typically caused by joint displacement. This can lead to various problems, both within the joint itself and with the associated or nearby muscles, ligaments, and nerves:
- Problems with the facial and jaw muscles;
- Problems with the jaw joint ligaments;
- Problems with the joint capsule;
- Problems within the joint (disc blockage, ligament strain);
- Arthrosis of the jaw joint;
- Pinched nerve endings.
The most common cause of TMJ dysfunction is malocclusion (crooked teeth, crowded teeth, worn teeth, missing teeth, numerous fillings, etc.).
Attention!
Pain associated with TMJ dysfunction can be localized in various ways: facial muscle pain, jaw pain, joint pain, temple pain, ear pain, headaches, and neck pain. This is due to the proximity of various muscles, ligaments, and nerves connecting various parts of the head and neck to the TMJ.
Additional symptoms of TMJ dysfunction may include:
- crunching or grinding sounds when chewing or yawning;
- limited mouth opening;
- uneven, step-by-step opening of the mouth;
- asymmetry of the lower jaw when opening and closing the mouth;
- tooth wear and/or malocclusion;
- facial asymmetry;
- tinnitus.
- Problems with the facial and jaw muscles;
- Problems with the jaw joint ligaments;
- Problems with the joint capsule;
- Problems within the joint (disc blockage, ligament strain);
- Arthrosis of the jaw joint;
- Pinched nerve endings.
The most common cause of TMJ dysfunction is malocclusion (crooked teeth, crowded teeth, worn teeth, missing teeth, numerous fillings, etc.).
Attention!
Pain associated with TMJ dysfunction can be localized in various ways: facial muscle pain, jaw pain, joint pain, temple pain, ear pain, headaches, and neck pain. This is due to the proximity of various muscles, ligaments, and nerves connecting various parts of the head and neck to the TMJ.
Additional symptoms of TMJ dysfunction may include:
- crunching or grinding sounds when chewing or yawning;
- limited mouth opening;
- uneven, step-by-step opening of the mouth;
- asymmetry of the lower jaw when opening and closing the mouth;
- tooth wear and/or malocclusion;
- facial asymmetry;
- tinnitus.
Impaired movement of the lower jaw
The video shows how TMJ dysfunction develops.
CRB clinic
Four causes of Jaw Pain
with TMJ dysfunction
with TMJ dysfunction
1. Muscle pain
Muscle pain is the most common type of pain associated with TMJ dysfunction. The muscles are the first to respond to any displacement of the joint and jaw from its proper position, as they must adjust all movements (opening, closing the mouth, chewing) to the new position. Because the joints (left and right) are displaced asymmetrically, the muscles on the left and right also begin to work asymmetrically. On one side, they become overstrained, become stressed, and muscle spasms and pain develop.
Gradually, muscle spasms lead to poor circulation, metabolic disturbances, muscle fibers stick together, and trigger points (hard, dense, painful areas) develop. On the other side, the muscles weaken, unable to perform their required function. Over time, this can be seen in facial asymmetry—wrinkles, ptosis, creases, and decreased skin turgor, more pronounced on one side of the face.
Gradually, muscle spasms lead to poor circulation, metabolic disturbances, muscle fibers stick together, and trigger points (hard, dense, painful areas) develop. On the other side, the muscles weaken, unable to perform their required function. Over time, this can be seen in facial asymmetry—wrinkles, ptosis, creases, and decreased skin turgor, more pronounced on one side of the face.
Bruxism, the involuntary grinding of teeth during sleep, is an example. It affects approximately 10% of people worldwide. This grinding is caused by severe spasms of the masticatory muscles. At night, a person is unable to control their movements, clenching their jaws so tightly that their teeth grind against each other. In the morning, patients report jaw pain, facial muscle pain, morning headaches and migraines, neck pain, temple pain, ear pain, and fatigue.
2. Pain due to arthrosis of the joint
Arthrosis is a collection of degenerative (destructive) processes in the joint:
✅ Deformation of the intra-articular cartilaginous disc, sometimes even completely destroyed;
✅ Flattening or deformation of the joint head;
✅ Formation of bone spurs, etc.
With these processes, joint movement is restricted, and the articular surfaces bruise, rub, and become injured. This causes pain, crunching, creaking, and clicking sounds when moving the jaw.
It's important to understand that the joint head cannot be restored. Therefore, it's crucial to begin treatment for arthrosis and halt the destructive process as quickly as possible.
✅ Deformation of the intra-articular cartilaginous disc, sometimes even completely destroyed;
✅ Flattening or deformation of the joint head;
✅ Formation of bone spurs, etc.
With these processes, joint movement is restricted, and the articular surfaces bruise, rub, and become injured. This causes pain, crunching, creaking, and clicking sounds when moving the jaw.
It's important to understand that the joint head cannot be restored. Therefore, it's crucial to begin treatment for arthrosis and halt the destructive process as quickly as possible.
Osteoarthritis is an extremely advanced stage of joint damage.
Osteoarthritis of the temporomandibular joint is caused by increased stress on the joint due to malocclusion and TMJ dysfunction.
When excessive pressure is placed on the intra-articular disc, it can shift, flatten, or even collapse. This causes its protective function to be lost, and the joint head begins to be injured by the temporal bone.
Caution! In later stages of osteoarthritis, the condylar head collapses under constant strain, and bone tissue is lost. The joint physically deteriorates and loses stability.
Osteoarthritis of the temporomandibular joint is caused by increased stress on the joint due to malocclusion and TMJ dysfunction.
When excessive pressure is placed on the intra-articular disc, it can shift, flatten, or even collapse. This causes its protective function to be lost, and the joint head begins to be injured by the temporal bone.
Caution! In later stages of osteoarthritis, the condylar head collapses under constant strain, and bone tissue is lost. The joint physically deteriorates and loses stability.
3. Ligament pain - TMJ enthesopathy
Enthesopathy is an inflammation of the fibers of ligaments and tendons at their attachment to bones:
- ligaments that stabilize and limit movement of the mandible;
- facial tendons;
- the joint capsule of the jaw joint.
Inflammation and pain occur as a result of micro-tears in the ligament fibers when they are overloaded. With TMJ enthesopathy, a crunching or popping sound may also be heard in the ligaments. This may occur when chewing, talking, or opening the mouth. The crunching occurs when the ligament fibers become rough and cause friction during movement.
- ligaments that stabilize and limit movement of the mandible;
- facial tendons;
- the joint capsule of the jaw joint.
Inflammation and pain occur as a result of micro-tears in the ligament fibers when they are overloaded. With TMJ enthesopathy, a crunching or popping sound may also be heard in the ligaments. This may occur when chewing, talking, or opening the mouth. The crunching occurs when the ligament fibers become rough and cause friction during movement.
Enthesopathy typically occurs due to a combination of two factors:
- overstretching and strain on the ligament/tendon due to improper jaw positioning;
- poor ligament nutrition, resulting in loss of elasticity and hardening.
With enthesopathy, inelastic fibers can tear at the sites of overstretching, causing inflammation and pain.
Calcifications begin to deposit in the area of enthesopathy, calcifying the ligament. This further reduces its ability to stretch. A calcified ligament can only be restored with shockwave therapy and other physical therapy.
- overstretching and strain on the ligament/tendon due to improper jaw positioning;
- poor ligament nutrition, resulting in loss of elasticity and hardening.
With enthesopathy, inelastic fibers can tear at the sites of overstretching, causing inflammation and pain.
Calcifications begin to deposit in the area of enthesopathy, calcifying the ligament. This further reduces its ability to stretch. A calcified ligament can only be restored with shockwave therapy and other physical therapy.
4. Pinched nerve endings
The nerves of the face and head are located very close to the muscles, ligaments, and joints of the TMJ.
When TMJ dysfunction occurs, the nerves can become compressed by:
- swollen, spasmodic muscles;
- rough or displaced ligaments;
- a displaced joint head.
Nerve compression causes pain in the jaw joint and ear. The pain can also migrate and periodically appear in other areas of the face and neck.
Caution! Nerve compression can also cause other symptoms, such as tinnitus, decreased vision, headaches, etc.
When TMJ dysfunction occurs, the nerves can become compressed by:
- swollen, spasmodic muscles;
- rough or displaced ligaments;
- a displaced joint head.
Nerve compression causes pain in the jaw joint and ear. The pain can also migrate and periodically appear in other areas of the face and neck.
Caution! Nerve compression can also cause other symptoms, such as tinnitus, decreased vision, headaches, etc.
Consultations by phone:
044 580 40 04
044 580 40 04
CRB clinic
Treatment of pain due to TMJ dysfunction
Treatment for jaw pain due to TMJ dysfunction consists of three main stages:
Этап 1
Restoring the correct position of the jaw and joints
We establish the correct position of the jaw joints and jaw. This eliminates the causes of muscle tension, ligament strain, and pinched nerves.
The anatomically correct position of the jaw and joints is calculated individually using digital technology. The jaw is realigned using deprogramming procedures and splint therapy.
We verify the correctness of the new position using control CT scans and neurofunctional testing.
The anatomically correct position of the jaw and joints is calculated individually using digital technology. The jaw is realigned using deprogramming procedures and splint therapy.
We verify the correctness of the new position using control CT scans and neurofunctional testing.
этап 2
Restoration of muscles and ligaments
To relieve pain symptoms, we work with muscles and ligaments.
We use physiotherapy to relieve pain and muscle spasms and address trigger points. Shockwave therapy restores ligament elasticity and breaks down and removes calcifications.
Treatment is aimed at eliminating old muscle memory and creating synchronized muscle function. We use a myograph to monitor proper muscle function.
We use physiotherapy to relieve pain and muscle spasms and address trigger points. Shockwave therapy restores ligament elasticity and breaks down and removes calcifications.
Treatment is aimed at eliminating old muscle memory and creating synchronized muscle function. We use a myograph to monitor proper muscle function.
этап 3
Bite correction
This stage is necessary in cases where there are problems with the bite, and TMJ dysfunction was caused by the incorrect position of the teeth and jaw.
The method of bite correction is selected based on individual indications:
1) Orthodontic correction with aligners or braces.
2) Increasing missing tooth height by adding onlays/crowns.
3) Implantation for missing chewing teeth.
Any bite correction for jaw joint problems should be performed after preliminary digital modeling. In some cases, two or three correction methods may be used simultaneously.
A proper bite ensures a stable, correct position of the jaw and jaw joints. As a result, the muscles and ligaments function correctly and do not become stressed or painful.
The method of bite correction is selected based on individual indications:
1) Orthodontic correction with aligners or braces.
2) Increasing missing tooth height by adding onlays/crowns.
3) Implantation for missing chewing teeth.
Any bite correction for jaw joint problems should be performed after preliminary digital modeling. In some cases, two or three correction methods may be used simultaneously.
A proper bite ensures a stable, correct position of the jaw and jaw joints. As a result, the muscles and ligaments function correctly and do not become stressed or painful.
Consultations by phone:
044 580 40 04
044 580 40 04
Digital diagnostics for jaw pain
The goal of diagnosis is to identify what exactly is causing jaw pain.
During diagnostics, we evaluate the condition and function of the jaw joints, cervical vertebrae, the musculoskeletal system, the correct bite, the condition of the periodontium, and the condition of the bone structures of the joint.
The diagnostic consists of 7 stages
and takes 2 hours.
Price - 8500 UAH.
Based on the information received, a consultation is held, a treatment plan is drawn up, and an extended consultation is conducted.
During diagnostics, we evaluate the condition and function of the jaw joints, cervical vertebrae, the musculoskeletal system, the correct bite, the condition of the periodontium, and the condition of the bone structures of the joint.
The diagnostic consists of 7 stages
and takes 2 hours.
Price - 8500 UAH.
Based on the information received, a consultation is held, a treatment plan is drawn up, and an extended consultation is conducted.
1) CT scan of both jaws, jaw joints, and cervical vertebrae - allows for an understanding of the condition of the teeth, root canals, bone, joint position, and cervical vertebrae;
2) Dental scanning - allows for an assessment of the correct bite (correct occlusion of the teeth);
3) Periodontal screening - necessary for assessing the condition of the gums and the volume of the root bone;
4) Photographic protocol - allows for an assessment of the condition of the teeth (presence of chips, cracks, wear), as well as the presence of facial asymmetry caused by uneven muscle tone or bone deformity;
5) Assessment of the amplitude and trajectory of jaw movement - provides an understanding of the presence of joint restrictions and movement asymmetries;
6) Myography - allows for an understanding of the condition of the muscles and the detection of desynchronization of the musculoskeletal system in the jaw system. 7) Innervation testing - allows us to understand whether the nerve bundle is being pinched by the current position of the joint, which can cause additional symptoms throughout the body.
2) Dental scanning - allows for an assessment of the correct bite (correct occlusion of the teeth);
3) Periodontal screening - necessary for assessing the condition of the gums and the volume of the root bone;
4) Photographic protocol - allows for an assessment of the condition of the teeth (presence of chips, cracks, wear), as well as the presence of facial asymmetry caused by uneven muscle tone or bone deformity;
5) Assessment of the amplitude and trajectory of jaw movement - provides an understanding of the presence of joint restrictions and movement asymmetries;
6) Myography - allows for an understanding of the condition of the muscles and the detection of desynchronization of the musculoskeletal system in the jaw system. 7) Innervation testing - allows us to understand whether the nerve bundle is being pinched by the current position of the joint, which can cause additional symptoms throughout the body.