턱관절

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• What is a temporomandibular joint 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 of all jaw movement and is supported by muscles and ligaments; the disc between the joint acts as a cushion between the bones. The muscles, ligaments, disc, and jawbone work together to handle activities such as mouth opening, chewing, swallowing, and speaking. When their function becomes impaired due to various factors, it is called a temporomandibular joint disorder.

3 major symptoms of TMJ disorder

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  Pain

  The most common site of pain is the TMJ area, followed by the masseter, the temporalis area, and the sternocleidomastoid, in that order. TMJ disorder may also cause symptoms such as migraine, neck and shoulder stiffness.

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  Joint noise

  It is classified into a simple joint sound expressed as a 'click' or 'clack' from the jaw, and crepitus expressed as sounds such as 'creaking' or 'grating'.

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  Limited mouth opening

  When opening the mouth to the maximum, about 45-55mm for men and 40-45mm for women is the normal opening range. When the mouth is opened comfortably, an opening of 40mm or less is judged as limited mouth opening.

Non-surgical treatment methods for TMJ disorder

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  Medication

  When an inflammatory TMJ disorder is suspected,
  medication therapy is performed.

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  Laser / Infrared

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

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  Cooling spray

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

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  Splint

  By securing space in the jaw joint,
  it restores the position of the
  TMJ to its normal state.

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  Conservative / prosthetic treatment

  When normal correction is not possible
  with splint treatment alone, conservative
  and prosthetic treatment are combined.