Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
(TMJ) Treatment Dubai

The joint at the junction of the temporal bones with the lower jaw is called the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). There are two such joints on both sides of the skull in front of the ears. Each consists of a temporal fossa above and an articular head (mandible) below. The joints are quite mobile and work together to provide jaw movements during chewing, conversation, and maximum mouth opening, such as when yawning. Normally, all system elements provide easy, smooth, and silent movement. However, if the articular surfaces and/or the muscles attached to the joints shift, the patient experiences orofacial pain and discomfort.

TMJ disorder can be caused by dental, myogenic, joint, or anatomical factors. The most common cause of TMD is malocclusion or misalignment of the teeth. TMJ can result from arthritis, clenching one’s teeth excessively, degenerative bone disease, jaw dislocation, or injury. The disorder is also thought to be triggered by stress. A highly trained and experienced TMJ dentist in Dubai can investigate and diagnose the patient’s dental problem. Dr. Rashida’s years of experience and expertise in this area of dentistry allow her to identify the root cause and address the problem. She will devise a strategy to alleviate the pain and prevent the disorder from progressing.

• Pronounced clicking sound during mouth opening, often accompanied by orofacial pain.
• Stiffness and limited movement of the jaws, immobilization due to jamming or blocking of the joint.
• Difficulty chewing with a feeling that the jaws do not touch each other.
• Tension and fatigue of the facial muscles, often worse in the evening.
• Severe soreness of the muscles of the face, neck, and shoulder.
• Pain in the parotid region that spread into the ear cavity.
• Toothache without signs of caries and other dental lesions.
• Asymmetry of the face caused by improper closure of the jaws.

As the range of motion of the mandible increases, pain tends to increase when the patient is talking, eating, or yawning. Other symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, noise, and earache. The difficulty in diagnosing TMD stems from its symptoms overlapping with those of other pathologies. Patients can see a neurologist or an ENT specialist to treat their symptoms, but they will not be able to solve the problem. They must see a TMJ dentist who specializes in neuromuscular dentistry. Dr. Rashida will investigate all of the symptoms present in the patient and provide TMJ treatment options.