TMJ, Dentistry FAQ

Share to:
Can TMJ Disorders Cause Tinnitus and Occipital Pain?

Can temporomandibular joint disorders cause tinnitus? Is there a connection to occipital pain? I would like to ask if temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can lead to tinnitus? What about pain at the back of the head? (Lying down, pressing on the head, turning the head, and lo...


Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: Temporomandibular joint pain can indeed radiate from the temporalis muscle area to the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles. In addition to wearing an occlusal splint, it is recommended to use heat therapy and medication. You may also consider consulting with the oral...

[Read More] Can TMJ Disorders Cause Tinnitus and Occipital Pain?


Understanding Alveolar Bone Issues and Trigeminal Neuralgia Recovery

Alveolar bone issues Hello, doctor. I had a gum laceration on my wisdom tooth (tooth #17) and visited the hospital on March 1st. The dentist said that the bone was protruding and needed to be filed down, so they performed the procedure that same day. After 14 days, they said I ne...


Dr. Qiu Qiongyao Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you visit a dental clinic specializing in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders for treatment. You can call the appointment desk at Yilan Boai Hospital to schedule a consultation with Dr. Wu Qingrong (an appointment is required). The Hualien Hospit...

[Read More] Understanding Alveolar Bone Issues and Trigeminal Neuralgia Recovery


Understanding TMJ Resorption: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) resorption Dr. Zeng's spouse was recently diagnosed with left temporomandibular joint (TMJ) resorption. What does this indicate about the joint's condition? Is the severe pain in the joint related to this issue? How should it be treated, an...


Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello Mr. CSH: 1. There is temporomandibular joint (TMJ) degeneration, resulting in instability of the mandible and occlusal position, with significant facial masticatory muscle pain. 2. There is a correlation. 3. Please consult an oral surgeon for further evaluation and treatmen...

[Read More] Understanding TMJ Resorption: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options


Chronic Pain in Jaw Muscles After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Causes and Solutions

Pain in the muscles behind the wisdom teeth for many years? About four years ago, I had my lower left horizontal wisdom tooth extracted. Since then, the muscle tissue in the posterior area has been swollen and painful, possibly due to prolonged mouth opening during the extraction...


Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to visit the oral and maxillofacial surgery department or the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) clinic at a medical center. Inform the physician about this condition to determine if a CT scan of the head and neck is necessary or if a referral to neurology is ...

[Read More] Chronic Pain in Jaw Muscles After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Causes and Solutions


Will Wearing a Bite Splint Misalign My Perfectly Straight Teeth?

Will wearing an occlusal splint cause originally aligned teeth to become misaligned? Hello, doctor. I have a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issue, and my doctor recommended wearing an occlusal splint for correction. My teeth are quite well-aligned; will wearing the splint change m...


Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: If worn only at night, it will not cause permanent displacement of the teeth, as the occlusal splint itself does not continuously and actively exert force on the teeth and alveolar bone.

[Read More] Will Wearing a Bite Splint Misalign My Perfectly Straight Teeth?


Do You Need Orthodontics After TMJ Surgery?

Temporomandibular joint reduction surgery If I underwent orthodontic treatment 3.4 years ago and am now experiencing issues with my temporomandibular joint (TMJ) (with milder symptoms at the time), will I need to undergo orthodontic treatment again after undergoing TMJ reduction ...


Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to inform the physician before surgery about any previous orthodontic treatment. If necessary, minor adjustments to the position of the teeth may still be performed postoperatively. You may ask the oral surgeon whether a referral to the orthodontist is ne...

[Read More] Do You Need Orthodontics After TMJ Surgery?


Understanding Temporomandibular Joint Issues: Symptoms and Relief Strategies

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) Hello, doctor. I have noticed since childhood that when I open my mouth to a certain extent (I have to open it quite wide), my jaw makes a clicking sound (is this considered dislocation?). However, it is completely painless, and I have never experien...


Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello Ms. Doris: 1. If you can open your mouth to 4-5 centimeters, it is considered normal. However, if you open it too wide and hear a clicking sound, it exceeds the load capacity of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and should be avoided. 2. If your mouth is open for too long,...

[Read More] Understanding Temporomandibular Joint Issues: Symptoms and Relief Strategies


Understanding Radiation Dose in Dental Cone Beam CT Scans

Regarding the radiation dose of dental computed tomography? Hello, Director. I am currently evaluating orthodontic treatment (the doctor mentioned that it will involve imaging of the temporomandibular joint), but I need to undergo a dental cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) sca...


Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello, Mr. Zheng: 1. Most dental computed tomography (CT) scans are of a small area, while larger scans that cover the entire head and neck may result in a higher radiation dose. 2. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) scans are not extensive; typical dental CT scans deliver appr...

[Read More] Understanding Radiation Dose in Dental Cone Beam CT Scans


Post-Car Accident Dental Issues: TMJ Pain and Tooth Repair Options

Symptoms after a car accident? Hello, Doctor. 1. I would like to ask about the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issue caused by a car accident. Sometimes when I open my mouth, I hear a clicking sound on the right side, and there is pain when I massage the area between my ear and t...


Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: If the pain between the joint and the temple persists, it is recommended to consult a neurologist or an oral surgeon and undergo a CT scan for confirmation. If there are no abnormalities, it is advisable to relax. For the small fracture of the front tooth, it is suggested ...

[Read More] Post-Car Accident Dental Issues: TMJ Pain and Tooth Repair Options


Understanding Jaw Displacement: Causes and Treatment Options

Perceived jaw displacement? Hello Dr. Lin, my wife has recently been experiencing pain when she sleeps with her head tilted to the left, as she feels her jaw shifts to the left and causes pain that wakes her up. Could this indicate a problem with her temporomandibular joint (TMJ)...


Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It is advisable to clarify the timing of the pain (how long has it been occurring? Is the pain constant or intermittent?), and the cause (have there been any accidents, falls, etc.? Or have you recently undergone dental treatment?). Is Zhongshan Hospital a dental facility?...

[Read More] Understanding Jaw Displacement: Causes and Treatment Options


Understanding TMJ Disorders After Facial Injury: Symptoms and Solutions

I have developed temporomandibular joint disorder due to an impact injury? Hello Doctor, On December 6, 2023, I was playing basketball and someone accidentally hit my left cheek (possibly near the jaw area). Since then, I have experienced a clicking sensation when I open my mout...


Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Dear Mr. Avi, 1. Any external force that can cause displacement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) cartilage, or even tearing of the joint head, can lead to inflammation and pain in the TMJ. 2. If you experience difficulty opening or closing your mouth, or if you feel pain in ...

[Read More] Understanding TMJ Disorders After Facial Injury: Symptoms and Solutions


Understanding Occlusal Splint Thickness and Its Impact on Jaw Closure

Thickness of the occlusal splint? Hello, I recently had an occlusal splint made due to issues with my temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The splint is placed on my lower teeth, and I feel that it is too thick and protruding. I have to "struggle" to close my lips, and when I...


Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Dear Ms. Yeh, Due to the certain thickness of the occlusal splint on the occlusal surface, wearing the splint can increase the vertical dimension of occlusion, which helps alleviate the pressure on the temporomandibular joint and allows the masticatory muscles to relax and rest....

[Read More] Understanding Occlusal Splint Thickness and Its Impact on Jaw Closure


Understanding Jaw Issues After Ankle Injury: A Patient's Journey

Swallowing saliva, wisdom tooth issues? Hello Doctor, On September 11th of this year, I sprained my left ankle while carrying four large bags of trash at my rental place in Banqiao. I missed the last two steps and fell. I went to an orthopedic doctor and had two X-rays, which c...


Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello Ms. Caroline: If the discomfort in your temporomandibular joint persists, it is recommended to return to the oral surgeon for further evaluation. If you are experiencing pain in your temples, it could also be a migraine issue, so it is advisable to consult a neurologist for...

[Read More] Understanding Jaw Issues After Ankle Injury: A Patient's Journey


Is a Palate Expander Necessary for Jaw Alignment and Dental Health?

What is the necessity of a maxillary expander? Hello, Doctor. 1. I am a 20-year-old male who has had a full mouth X-ray and a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) X-ray. The TMJ specialist indicated that the articular discs on both sides are anteriorly displaced, with the right side b...


Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: Issues related to orthodontics or aesthetic medicine are highly individualized and non-essential medical procedures, making it difficult to provide generalized answers online. Additionally, they often involve significant out-of-pocket expenses. It is advisable to choose a ...

[Read More] Is a Palate Expander Necessary for Jaw Alignment and Dental Health?


Understanding Unilateral Chewing Pain: Causes and Solutions

Unilateral chewing Hello Dr. Lin, I have been chewing on one side for several years, and recently the side that I haven't been using suddenly developed gum inflammation. After taking antibiotics and painkillers for a week, it has healed. I then tried to use the other side (t...


Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: "I had a dental check-up, and the X-rays showed no abnormalities. My gums are also normal. The dentist ground down a bit of my tooth and advised me to continue monitoring. I used Sensodyne and Parodontax, but they don't seem to help." It is recommended to go...

[Read More] Understanding Unilateral Chewing Pain: Causes and Solutions


Can Uneven Jaw Length Cause Clicking Sounds When Opening Mouth?

Asymmetrical length of the right and left sides of the mandible can cause a clicking sound when opening the mouth to its maximum extent? Hello, Doctor. I am 20 years old and visited a dentist when I was 11, during which X-rays were taken. The doctor's findings were as follow...


Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: The primary treatment goal of orthodontics should be to achieve proper alignment of the teeth. Other related issues (such as facial appearance and joint clicking) may improve as well, but if expectations are set too high, the outcomes may not meet those expectations. If te...

[Read More] Can Uneven Jaw Length Cause Clicking Sounds When Opening Mouth?


Understanding Gum Swelling and Pain After Tooth Extraction and TMJ Issues

Gum swelling and pain during occlusion? Hello, doctor. I have been diagnosed with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). After undergoing extraction of a molar and treatment for cavities, my condition has worsened. Currently, I have a sensation of swelling in the gums of my uppe...


Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello Ms. Li: If you have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, you may experience soreness in the muscles around your ear and cheek when biting down. If you feel pain in your molars while chewing, it could be due to a deep cavity that is close to the nerve, causing pulpitis. I...

[Read More] Understanding Gum Swelling and Pain After Tooth Extraction and TMJ Issues


Understanding Jaw Pain: When Teeth Are Fine but Discomfort Persists

It hurts to bite down on something, but the doctor said there are no issues with the teeth? Around the end of July or early August, I started experiencing pain when biting with my left teeth. Later, I also felt pain when opening my jaw on the right side of my temporomandibular jo...


Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: Since the dentist at the hospital has already examined your teeth and found no issues, if you are concerned that trigeminal neuralgia may be causing your discomfort, it is recommended that you schedule an appointment with a neurologist for further evaluation and examinatio...

[Read More] Understanding Jaw Pain: When Teeth Are Fine but Discomfort Persists


Can TMJ Disorders Cause Facial Swelling Near the Ears?

Facial swelling and ear congestion? I would like to ask the doctor if temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthritis can cause swelling in the cheek near the ear. I have seen an otolaryngologist who said it is not parotitis, and I also consulted an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who sug...


Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello Mr. Hsiao-Chu: If the temporomandibular joint is not painful but feels a bit locked, indicating that the mouth cannot fully open without causing facial swelling, it is advisable to consider whether there is an ear canal infection or inflammation/infection in the maxillary a...

[Read More] Can TMJ Disorders Cause Facial Swelling Near the Ears?


Discomfort and Blisters After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Causes and Solutions

Discomfort in the lower jaw and the presence of blisters in the oral cavity after wisdom tooth extraction? Hello Doctor, I had my lower wisdom teeth extracted on July 27th, and for the past week or two, I've been experiencing discomfort in my lower jaw. Sometimes it feels wa...


Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: Bone infections can usually be detected through X-rays. Recurrent blisters are more related to gum infections or minor salivary gland injuries. Symptoms associated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues include limited mouth opening, joint clicking sounds, and muscle so...

[Read More] Discomfort and Blisters After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Causes and Solutions


Page Next