TMJ, Dentistry FAQ

Understanding Jaw Joint Disorders: Symptoms and Treatment Options

Temporomandibular joint issues? 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 mo...

Dr. Wang Cunzhen Reply:
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 Jaw Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Jaw pain I have pain in my upper and lower jaw on the right side. When I opened my mouth wide to brush my teeth, I heard a "click," followed by intense pain that caused tears to flow. This pain has persisted for about a month. I have already had an X-ray taken, but no i...

Dr. Wu Jinjun Reply:
Hello: Based solely on your description, it is difficult to determine the exact issue. It may be a problem with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Please visit our clinic for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Understanding Jaw Issues: Treatment Options for Long-Term Pain

My chin? I am about to enter my senior year, but my jaw issue still hasn't improved. During middle school, there was a night when I chewed gum for too long, which led to my jaw suddenly becoming immobile the next day around noon. After a while, it regained movement, but sinc...

Dr. Lin Qingye Reply:
Hello Ming-Tzu: The movement of the jaw is related to what we call the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). A detailed examination is necessary, including palpation, X-ray examination, etc., to clarify the underlying cause of the condition and to provide appropriate treatment. Since yo...

Understanding Jaw Clicking: When to Seek Treatment for TMJ Issues

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues? Hello, Doctor: Occasionally, I hear a clicking sound in my left cheek when I open my mouth wide (this has been happening for 4 to 5 years, likely due to chewing gum). When I visited a traditional Chinese medicine doctor, they only advised me ...

Dr. Wu Jinjun Reply:
Hello: Your issue may be related to the sounds produced by the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) when opening your mouth. Since there is currently no pain, it should not be a major concern. However, if one day you find it difficult to open your mouth wide or experience discomfort whi...

Effective Treatments and Tips for Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) Doctor, may I ask how to treat issues related to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders? What should I be aware of? I hope you can provide some advice. Thank you.

Dr. Wang Cunzhen Reply:
Dear Mr. A-Chung, Due to Dr. Wang Chun-Cheng being abroad, we will address your questions upon his return on April 7th. We appreciate your understanding regarding this inconvenience. Sincerely, Department of Dentistry, Hsinchu Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan

Managing Tooth Pain: Solutions for Chewing Difficulties and Discomfort

The person who is eating is feeling weak? Thank you for your detailed response last time. I have decided to follow your advice and not undergo root canal treatment on the two rows of teeth on the left side that often feel sore and painful. However, the pain issue keeps recurring,...

Dr. Liu Tiancai Reply:
Hello! You have had one tooth extracted from both the upper and lower right sides, and it is best to get dentures to restore your bite, allowing you to use both sides for chewing. This way, you won't rely solely on your left side for eating. As for the wear on your teeth, it...

Understanding Jaw Clicking: Causes and Treatment Options

Sagging jawline Hello, I would like to ask a question. Every time I open my mouth wide, like when trying to eat a whole apple, there is a loud sound coming from the area near my ears, specifically behind my teeth. It feels like my jaw is about to dislocate. What could be the reas...

Dr. Zhuang Suhui Reply:
Based on your description, this appears to be a case of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. The temporomandibular joint is located just in front of and below the ear and is responsible for the movement of the mandible (lower jaw). Issues with the joint disc, surrounding muscl...

Complications After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: What You Need to Know

Aftermath of Wisdom Tooth Extraction~~ Hello, I had my wisdom teeth removed over a month ago, but on the fifth day after the extraction, I developed a purulent discharge and sinusitis. After evaluation, the doctor also found issues with my temporomandibular joint (TMJ). I would l...

Dr. Liu Tiancai Reply:
Hello! Generally speaking, when extracting maxillary molars (including wisdom teeth), one must be aware of the potential complication of maxillary sinusitis. The primary reason for this is that, in most cases, there is a bony structure separating the roots of the maxillary teeth ...

Is Orthodontic Treatment Necessary for Dental Alignment Issues?

Is correction needed? Hello Dr. Yang, I would like to ask a question for my friend. He has a tilted lower right molar that is pressing against his two lower incisors, forming a V-shape, but he does not experience any significant discomfort. He is concerned that his lower incisors...

Dr. Yang Hui Reply:
Dear Ms. Kuo, I apologize for not being able to fully understand your situation without seeing your oral condition. Therefore, I cannot make any definitive statements regarding orthodontics. As for the pressure caused by the eruption of your wisdom teeth, extraction is the solut...

Effective Treatments for Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

How to treat temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders? Hello Dr. Wu! I am a helpless patient who has been troubled by temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues for many years. My right TMJ is always tense, and sometimes there are sounds when I open and close my mouth. At its worst, I h...

Dr. Wu Jinjun Reply:
Hello Ms. Kuo: There are many causes of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues, such as malocclusion or tooth loss leading to an imbalance in bite, unilateral chewing, trauma, facial muscle tension, bruxism, and even stress, anxiety, and emotional factors can contribute to TMJ pain...

Understanding Jaw Pain: Causes and Solutions for TMJ Disorders

Unable to open the mouth?! Part II [Date] November 27, 2002 [Question] Inquirer: Angel / Female / 24 Dear Dr. Wang: Last week, I suddenly found it very difficult to open my right jaw at the joint area, accompanied by some pain. After that, I was unable to open my mouth on the...

Dr. Wang Cunzhen Reply:
Hello Angel: The so-called temporomandibular joint refers to the bilateral joints of the mandible located in front of the ears, which is likely what you mean by the jaw joint; however, we do not refer to it that way. Since you are experiencing pain in the right side of your shoul...

Struggling to Open Your Mouth? Understanding Jaw Pain and Treatment Options

Can't open your mouth?! Hello Dr. Wang: Last week, I suddenly had difficulty opening my right jaw at the joint area, accompanied by some pain. After that, I was unable to open my mouth on the right side at all, which was alarming because I couldn't even eat a small crea...

Dr. Wang Cunzhen Reply:
Hello! Based on the symptoms you described, it seems to be an issue with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), likely due to an acute episode. Initially, pain relievers and muscle relaxants are typically prescribed to aid in rest. Additionally, applying heat to the painful area and ...

Persistent Jaw Pain: Seeking the Right Dental Specialist

Pain in the left lower jaw during occlusion? About two years ago, I started experiencing sounds when biting or yawning on the left side of my cheek near the back molars. Eventually, I began to feel pain, so I visited a doctor. The doctor advised me not to open my mouth too wide, ...

Dr. Wang Cunzhen Reply:
Hello Ms. Hsu: Based on your description, it seems to be a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issue. Treatment for this condition requires patience, and it is essential to avoid harder foods. If necessary, a period of wearing an occlusal splint may be recommended, and in some cases, s...

Potential Side Effects of Teeth Orthodontics: What to Expect

Orthodontics Are there any side effects after dental braces?

Dr. Yang Hui Reply:
After orthodontic treatment, there may be some rare cases of root resorption or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain. During the orthodontic process, patients might also experience mucosal irritation from the braces causing sores on the lips or cheeks, as well as gingival enlargeme...

Understanding Jaw Pain: When to Seek Treatment for TMJ Issues

About the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) Hello, doctor! I would like to ask a question. My bite is normal, but I often experience joint pain when eating, to the point where I can hardly open my mouth wide enough to eat something as small as a quail egg. Is this a serious condition...

Dr. Wang Cunzhen Reply:
Hello! In fact, for the issue of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, conservative treatment is generally recommended. This is because invasive surgical treatments often lead to postoperative bony adhesions, which can be worse than not having surgery at all. Therefore, a detailed ...

Understanding the Impact of Orthodontics on Jaw Joint Disorders

Dental Alignment and Temporomandibular Joint Disorders Hello, doctor. I am a student living in Taipei. I recently started orthodontic treatment because my previous orthodontic treatment in childhood was unsuccessful. I am currently undergoing re-treatment. In addition, I have not...

Dr. Wu Jinjun Reply:
Hello, Xiao Nan: There is currently no definitive literature reporting that orthodontic treatment causes temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders; however, cases like yours are not commonly seen in clinical practice. Orthodontics involves the relationship between teeth, muscles, a...

Understanding Fibrosis in the Temporomandibular Joint: Symptoms and Recovery

Temporomandibular joint fibrosis I have pain when opening my mouth, which can only open about 2 cm. The doctor suggested a minor surgery, which I underwent on September 28, 2001. After the surgery, the doctor informed me that there was fibrosis in my temporomandibular joint (TMJ)...

Dr. Wu Jinjun Reply:
The recovery period after temporomandibular joint (TMJ) surgery typically takes about six months, and practicing with a mouth opener generally requires at least six months as well. During the process of practicing mouth opening, pain is unavoidable. In addition to the intra-artic...

Understanding and Managing Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: A Patient's Guide

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ disorder) After diagnosis, I found that there is fibrosis of the tissue above the cartilage in my temporomandibular joint (TMJ) capsule, and the cartilage has shifted forward. I underwent arthroscopy on September 28. Currently, I am using a m...

Dr. Wu Jinjun Reply:
The recovery period after temporomandibular joint (TMJ) surgery typically takes about six months, which means that practicing with a mouth opener also requires at least six months. During the process of practicing mouth opening, pain is unavoidable. This pain arises not only from...

Clicking Jaw Joint: Causes and Solutions for Your Concerns

The joint in front of the ear makes a popping sound when eating? In recent days, I've been experiencing a sensation of my jaw joint behind my ear feeling stuck, accompanied by sounds when I eat or wake up from sleep. Sometimes, it's difficult to chew properly, and I kee...

Dr. Wu Jinjun Reply:
Response to the physician: Subject of the issue: While eating........ Response: Your symptoms are likely due to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), which can be caused by bruxism, trauma, malocclusion, arthritis, etc. Please visit a major hospital to consult a specialist.

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