Why do I have TMJ dysfunction?

To get a better idea of why your TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) may hurt, let’s take a look at how it works. Your jaw, in conjunction with muscles located around the joint are used for speaking and chewing. 3, 4 Two bones come together to form this ball-in-socket joint, your lower jawbone and skull base. 3

Inside the joint, there are three components that act together for common functions. A fibrous disk acts as a cushion and articulating surface, between the condylar head and Glenoid Fossa to promote full range of motion.

Understanding TMJ pain

Your TMJ issues may be due to a multitude of reasons, but here are some of the most common forms of Temporomandibular joint pain.*

With Arthritis Diseases, there are multiple forms of arthritis that can affect your joint including Osteoarthritis, and Rheumatoid arthritis. 3

Ankylosis is the immobility of the jaw joint due to the fusion of the joint to the base of the skull. There are two types of Ankylosis a person can have, fibrous which deals with the connective tissue or Bony fusion which is direct bone-on-bone contact 3,4

Tumors, both benign and malignant can be the reason for your jaw pain. Examples include Sarcomas, Ameloblastoma, Chondroblastoma and Osteoblastoma.5

*This is not an extensive list of jaw dysfunction. Trauma, Idiopathic Condylar resorption, and congenital disorders may be a reason for your jaw pain. Please consult your doctor for more information. 4

Talk to your doctor

At your appointments, your doctor will likely ask you about your past history with TMJ pain, any diagnosis or treatment you have previously done. Your doctor may also ask when and where your TMJ pain hurts to assess what's going on. They'll ask you to open and close your mouth to replicate the movements that may be causing your pain. Additionally, your doctor may ask to take some scans such as an X-Ray, MRI or CT Scan to pinpoint the location of your pain.

Pain relief doesn't always mean surgery. Your doctor may recommend a combination of treatments to alleviate your pain and get you feeling back to normal. Learn more about your options here.

References:
  1. TMJ Concepts Sterile Implant IFU
  2. TMJ Patient Brochure
  3. ASTMJS Website- TMD General information. https://astmjs.org/tmd-general-information/ Accessed 08/06/2023 
  4. Sporniak-Tutak K, Janiszewska-Oslzowska J, Kowalczyk R, et al. Management of temporomandibular ankylosis-compromise of individualization- a literature review. National Library of Medicine. 2011; 17(5): RA111–RA116. Accessed 08/072023
  5. Poveda-Roda R, Bagan JV, Sanchis JM, Margaix M, et al. Pseudotumors and tumors of the temporomandibular joint. A review. National Library of Medicine. 2013 May; 18(3): e392–e402. Accessed 08/07/2023
Important information

Potential risks of the procedure

Adverse events include worsening of TMJ symptoms, operative difficulties, chronic or reoccuring swelling, jaw muscle spasms, temporary and/or permanent facial muscle weakness, temporary and/or permanent numbness, temporary and/or permanent hearing loss, dental malocclusion, dislocation of implant components, resorption of the glenoid fossa or mandible, perforation or dehiscence of surrounding tissue, allergic reaction, post-operative pain, swelling, bruising, jaw muscle spasm, hematoma formation, and nerve pain.

Please see Instructions for Use (IFU) for a complete listing of warnings, precautions, and adverse events. 1, 2

More information

Disclaimer

The information presented is for educational purposes only. Stryker is not dispensing medical advice. Please speak to your doctor to decide what course of treatment is right for you. Only your doctor can make the medical judgement regarding which products and treatments are right for you. Any medical procedure carries certain risks, and your doctor will explain all possible complications and/or side effects. Not all patients will experience the same results.

Stryker Corporation or its other divisions or other corporate affiliated entities own, use or have applied for the following trademarks or service marks: Stryker. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners or holders.

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