Temporomandibular Eklem (TME) Tedavileri

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a complex structure located on the lower jaw, with two left and two right jaws, which connects the lower jaw to the skull and affects masticatory functions. The temporomandibular joint connects the lower end of the temporal bone to the upper end of the mandible (lower jaw bone). Temporomandibular joint dysfunction is defined as a disorder related to oral and dental health that affects the joint between the jawbone and the skull. This joint is used to perform functions such as chewing, swallowing and speaking. TMJ disorders are characterized by pain and dysfunction involving the masticatory muscles and the lower jawbone. The cause of TMJ disorders can be based on a variety of factors. These disorders, which can occur for many different reasons, usually start with the loss of harmony between the joint disc and the jaw joint surface. Any problem in the masticatory system not only affects the problems in that region, but also affects other regions and functions of the system in a chain. Since the jaw joint interacts anatomically and functionally with the muscle groups around it, pain and problems in the head, neck, throat and back regions affect the jaw joint, while problems in the jaw joint affect these regions. Today, TMJ disorders can be triggered especially with emotional stresses. Symptoms of TMJ disorders;
  • Pain when opening and closing the mouth, chewing, noise from the jaw jointPain when opening and closing the mouth, chewing, noise from the jaw joint
  • Broken opening or crashing
  • Pain or stiffness in the lower jaw, cheeks, temples, face, head and neck region, and shoulders
  • Feeling of tiredness in the chin while chewing
  • Tooth abrasions, abrasions and gingival recessions
  • Difficulty and pain in opening the jaw, usually on waking up in the morning
  • Difficulty stretching
  • Ear pain, ear congestion and sometimes ringing
  • Changes in jaw closure
  • Facial asymmetry due to hypertrophy of facial muscles
  • Deviation of the chin during mouth opening
TMJ treatment usually starts with conservative methods. The treatment plan can vary according to the severity and cause of the symptoms. Medications such as pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs or muscle relaxants can be used. Physical therapy may include methods such as massage, exercise, or heat therapy to reduce tension in the jaw muscles. It can be used for prosthetic rehabilitation (positive and negative coronoplasty) and correcting incorrect positions of the teeth to reduce pain. Gum treatment can be done to reduce the pain caused by gum sensitivity. However, first of all, if the patient is determined to have TMJ disease with a correct examination, joint splint should be performed in order to eliminate the causative agent.

The aim of joint splint treatment is to determine the source of pain and other symptoms in the jaw joint or chewing muscles with the help of the splint used. With this treatment method, it is aimed to diagnose the disorder in the masticatory system and to position the condyle head, joint and disc in the anatomically correct place. Thanks to the correctly positioned jaw joint, the abnormally contracted muscles return to the correct contraction pattern and it is aimed to relieve muscle pain. With the correct use of the joint splint, it is aimed to find the original closing relationship of the patient by ensuring the correct function of the lower jaw. With this treatment, chewing muscles, teeth and jaw joint work harmoniously.

Bruxism (Tooth Clenching) Treatment

Clenching is when a person consciously or unconsciously brings their teeth together tightly. This can be manifested by symptoms such as crooked teeth, gum disease, jaw pain, earache, headache, or fatigue. Clenching is often associated with emotional states such as stress, anxiety, depression. However, clenching can also occur for physical reasons such as incorrect positioning of the teeth, gum disease, or jawbone disease. Clenching can cause long-term damage to teeth and gums, gum disease, jawbone diseases. In addition, clenching can cause long-term ear, neck or shoulder pain, headaches and fatigue. There are many treatment options available for clenching teeth. First, your doctor will do a physical exam to get an idea of the reason for clenching. He will then use this information to create a treatment plan. Among the treatment options, there may be options such as dental and gum treatment, prosthetic treatment, and physical therapy.

Orthognathic Surgery

Orthognathic surgery is a type of surgical practice that includes the surgical correction of anatomical and functional disorders in the teeth and jaw area. These disorders include abnormal conditions caused by congenital or acquired features of the jaw and teeth, insufficient or overdeveloped jaw bones, irregular alignment of the teeth or their placement in the jaw.

Orthognathic surgery aims to improve maxillofacial aesthetics and function by correcting these disorders in the teeth and jaw area. For this purpose, surgical interventions are performed on the jawbones and teeth. These interventions include operations such as cutting and reshaping the jawbones, repositioning the teeth, or widening the jawbones.

Orthognathic surgery is a type of surgical practice that may be necessary for a variety of reasons. For example, it may be necessary to ensure proper alignment of the teeth due to underdevelopment of the jawbones. Likewise, orthognathic surgery may be necessary to correct aesthetic and functional problems that arise due to overdevelopment of the jawbones.

Orthognathic surgery is usually performed by dentistry and plastic surgery specialists. Before the surgical procedure, the anatomical conditions of the patients in the teeth and jaw area are examined and the necessary interventions are planned. During the surgical procedure, surgical interventions are performed on the jawbones and teeth, and then the healing processes of the patients are followed.