턱관절

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• What Is a Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder?

  The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint located between the jawbone and the skull that connects the two bones. It acts as the central axis for all jaw movement and is supported by muscles and ligaments, while the disc between the joint serves as a cushion between the bones. The muscles, ligaments, disc, and jawbone work together to enable activities such as opening the mouth, chewing, swallowing, and speaking. When the function of these structures becomes impaired due to various factors, it is called a temporomandibular joint disorder.

Three Major Symptoms of TMJ Disorders

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  Pain

  Pain most commonly occurs in the TMJ area, followed by the masseter, temporalis, and sternocleidomastoid muscles, in that order. TMJ disorders may also cause symptoms such as migraines and stiffness in the neck and shoulders.

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  Joint Noise

  These are classified into simple joint sounds described as a ‘click‘ or ‘pop‘ coming from the jaw, and crepitus described as ‘grating＇ or ‘grinding’ sounds.

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  Limited Mouth Opening

  When the mouth is opened as wide as possible, the normal opening range is about 45–55 mm for men and 40–45 mm for women. When the mouth is opened comfortably, an opening of 40 mm or less is considered limited mouth opening.

Non-Surgical Treatment Methods for TMJ Disorders

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  Medication

  If an inflammatory TMJ disorder
  is suspected, medication therapy is provided.

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  Laser / Infrared

  Through medium-frequency physical therapy,
  muscle spasms, joint stiffness, and pain are reduced.

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  Cooling Spray

  By instantly lowering the surface temperature,
  it temporarily relieves pain.

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  Splint

  It secures space in the temporomandibular joint
  to restore the position of the
  TMJ to its normal state.

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  Conservative / Prosthetic Treatment

  When normal correction cannot be achieved
  with splint therapy alone, conservative
  and prosthetic treatments are performed together.