Temporomandibular Joint Disorder: Symptoms and Treatment Options

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD)

Hello Dr.
Huang, please allow me to describe my situation.
About a month ago (April 8), I had my left upper wisdom tooth extracted.
Initially, there was significant pain, and I experienced slight bleeding for three days post-extraction.
As a result, I primarily chewed food with my right side for over a week.
Approximately two weeks later, I began to gradually use my left side for eating, but due to the larger wound, I was still cautious and used my right side more often.
About two weeks ago, I yawned too forcefully, which caused sharp pain in the area where my left cheek connects to my left ear.
In the following days, I noticed that whenever I opened my mouth wide, whether eating or yawning, it would hurt, and I often felt a bit dizzy.
This dizziness is hard to describe; it’s not severe enough to cause nausea, and my awareness is clear.
When I close my eyes, I don’t feel any spinning sensation, but occasionally, when I lose focus, I experience a light-headed feeling.
Coincidentally, during that time, some of my colleagues had severe colds, and I’m unsure if my dizziness is related to that, but I have no other cold symptoms.
Last week, while eating, I heard a few soft "cracking" sounds, similar to the noise of chewing chicken cartilage.
At that time, I hadn’t heard of "temporomandibular disorder" (TMD), so I didn’t pay much attention to it.
Additionally, I often wake up and feel a slight "sticking" pain in my left ear when swallowing saliva (it’s not very painful, just a strange sensation).
There were also a few days when I slept on my right side, and upon waking, I experienced pain in my left cheek when applying pressure or opening my mouth (and my left ear would hurt as well).
Over the past couple of days, it seems that the joint condition has improved, and I don’t feel anything unusual when opening my mouth wide, but my left ear still feels odd occasionally (though my hearing is fine).
Dr.
Huang, based on your experience, do you think these symptoms align with "temporomandibular disorder"? Furthermore, does TMD resolve on its own? Can heat therapy help with treatment? I apologize for the lengthy message, and thank you for your patience in reading it.

Notes:
1.
During the days when I heard the sounds while eating, I often experienced insomnia; I wonder if this is related.
2.
There is a white bite mark on the left side of my oral cavity, which I occasionally bite into one or two times a month.
This is why I decided to have my left wisdom tooth extracted, but it seems I still bite it occasionally.
I do not chew betel nut, smoke, or drink alcohol on special occasions, which I noted because someone mentioned it in previous articles.
3.
I am unsure if the TMD is affecting my left ear, indirectly impacting my balance and causing the dizziness.
I wanted to mention this specifically, but I still experience mild dizziness at various times throughout the day, although it’s not as intense as last week.

Mr. Lin, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2011/05/11

Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry

Dear Mr.
Lin,
You indeed have temporomandibular joint disorder, caused by anterior dislocation of the articular disc, resulting in synovial inflammation and surrounding muscle tension.
If there are no predisposing factors for bruxism, symptoms can be alleviated with medication and heat therapy.
Otherwise, you will need to wear an occlusal splint to prevent grinding, clenching, and to relieve muscle pain.
Wishing you peace and health.
Sincerely,
Dr.
Huang Chih-Cheng
Director, Dental Department
Taoyuan General Hospital, Department of Health

Reply Date: 2011/05/11

More Info

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ Disorder) is a condition that affects the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. It can manifest in various symptoms, including pain in the jaw, face, neck, and shoulders, difficulty chewing, clicking or popping sounds when moving the jaw, and even headaches. In your case, the symptoms you described, such as pain in the left side of your face and jaw, difficulty opening your mouth, and the sensation of dizziness, are indeed consistent with TMJ Disorder.

The onset of your symptoms following the extraction of your wisdom tooth is not uncommon. After such dental procedures, patients often favor one side of their mouth for eating, which can lead to muscle imbalances and strain on the temporomandibular joint. The pain you experienced when yawning or opening your mouth wide could be due to inflammation or irritation of the joint or surrounding muscles. The "clicking" sound you heard while eating may indicate a displacement of the disc within the joint, which is a common feature of TMJ disorders.

Regarding your question about whether TMJ Disorder can resolve on its own, the answer is yes, many cases can improve without extensive treatment. However, the duration and severity of symptoms can vary widely among individuals. Some people may experience spontaneous resolution, while others may require intervention.
Heat therapy, such as warm compresses applied to the jaw area, can be beneficial in alleviating pain and reducing muscle tension. Additionally, gentle stretching exercises for the jaw may help improve mobility and reduce discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can also be effective in managing pain and inflammation.

It is important to note that if symptoms persist or worsen, further evaluation by a healthcare professional, such as a dentist or an oral and maxillofacial specialist, may be necessary. They can provide a more comprehensive assessment and recommend additional treatments, which may include physical therapy, dental splints, or, in more severe cases, surgical options.

As for the sensation of dizziness you mentioned, while it is less common, it can occur in conjunction with TMJ disorders due to the close proximity of the jaw joint to the structures of the inner ear, which are involved in balance. If this dizziness continues or becomes more pronounced, it would be prudent to discuss this with your healthcare provider to rule out other potential causes.

In summary, your symptoms align with TMJ Disorder, and while many cases can improve with conservative measures, ongoing discomfort warrants further evaluation. Incorporating heat therapy and gentle jaw exercises may provide relief, and maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider will ensure that you receive appropriate care tailored to your needs.

Similar Q&A

Understanding and Treating Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ)

Hello, doctor. My face has become asymmetrical, and when I open my mouth, I can’t do it fully; I need to open it in two stages, and it makes a cracking sound. Sometimes, if I open it too quickly, it feels like my bones might break, and occasionally, I experience a dull pain in th...

Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Xiao An, Hello, you have been diagnosed with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ disorder) due to anterior displacement of the meniscus within the joint, which causes the condyle to become stuck when closing the mouth, resulting in clicking sounds or difficulty in opening...

Understanding Jaw Joint Disorders: Symptoms and Treatment Options

Doctor, I have been struggling with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder for four months. For the first three months, I only experienced difficulty opening my mouth without any noise, so I underwent conservative treatment. However, in the past month, I have frequently heard noi...

Dr. Wang Cunzhen reply Dentistry
Hello, A-Chung. The treatment for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome in the early stages, when there are no noises, typically involves medication. When pain intensifies and there is difficulty opening the mouth, the treatment phase progresses to the use of an occlusal splint....

Understanding Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: Symptoms and Treatment Options

Hello Doctor, I live in Hsinchu City. My symptoms include difficulty opening my mouth fully, a sensation of misalignment when my jaw is closed, pain when pressing below my ear, and occasional sounds resembling bone grinding when moving my jaw. This has been going on for several m...

Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Your symptoms are likely due to a dislocation of the articular disc of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which has led to inflammation of the joint's synovial bursa. This can cause the clicking sound and tenderness you are experiencing. It is advisable to consult a dentist ...

Understanding Temporomandibular Joint Disorder: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Duration

Hello Dr. Tseng: Thank you for your previous response, I really appreciate it! I have another question to ask. My mother is 58 years old and experiences pain on the right side of her mouth when she opens it wide, accompanied by a clicking sound. The doctor diagnosed her with temp...

Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
The causes of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can be categorized as local or systemic. Local causes are primarily related to changes in the occlusal relationship of the upper and lower jaws, such as long-term tooth wear, occlusal interferences, or nocturnal bruxism, which...