Temporomandibular Joint Disorders & CMD Treatment

Small joint, great function

The temporomandibular joint (abbreviated TMJ, also called jaw joint) has to carry heavy loads on a daily basis. It is one of the most frequently used joints in the body. We use it while talking, chewing, laughing. Therefore, it is crucial that we can move the joint smoothly and painlessly.

A craniomandibular dysfunction (CMD) is a possible reason for pain in the temporomandibular joints. We’ll explain what the term means, how it is diagnosed and what can be done against the pain.

Among the accompanying symptoms are:

• Jaw pain
• Toothaches
• Earaches
• Head and face aches

Further characteristics are a strong development (hypertrophy) of the masticatory muscles (chewing muscles) as well as excessive wear of the tooth substances as a result of jaw clenching and teeth grinding (bruxism).

Begleitsymptome können sein:

• Kieferschmerzen
• Zahnschmerzen
• Ohrenschmerzen
• Kopf- und Gesichtsschmerzen sein.

Weitere Merkmale sind eine starke Ausprägung (Hypertrophie) der Kaumuskulatur sowie übermäßige Abnutzungserscheinungen der Zahnhartsubstanzen infolge von Kieferpressen und Zähneknirschen (Bruxismus).

CMD is the abbreviation of the term craniomandibular dysfunction. It describes a functional disorder of the masticatory system. A functional analysis for CMD or suspected CMD is the first step in planning possible treatment steps. In the following, you will learn more about functional diagnostics and CMD therapy.

We examine patients with acute or chronic pain in the jaw joint, muscle tension and jaw clicking are examined for the causes of their problems by means of a detailed diagnosis. In our practice, we carry out gnathological functional diagnostics in which the mobility and load-bearing capacity of the joints are examined. This way, we can find out where the problem lies and provide you with a reliable diagnosis and therapy recommendation.

If you suspect a CMD, going to an orthodontist is a good idea. However, depending on the findings, other doctors and therapists may also be involved in the TMJ treatment.

To fully eliminate your pain, we arrange an individual therapy of special dental splints, physiotherapy, osteopathic treatment and painkilling or anti-inflammatory medication. If the problem was caused by a misalignment of the teeth or jaw, a permanent correction of the teeth by the orthodontist or dentist is necessary (after the acute pain has been eliminated by the splints).

In general, holistic orthodontics is crucial in the treatment of CMD, dysfunctions and temporomandibular joint disorders. It is important to think outside of the box and not to be limited to the fact that the causes of the problems are only to be found in the jaw.

The common teeth grinding (bruxism) can also lead to jaw joint, masticatory muscle, neck, head and tooth pain. The main causes are misaligned teeth and stress, which can also occur in childhood or adolescence.

To protect the dental substance – especially at night – a transparent dental splint can help. Such splints are also called bite splints, occlusal splints or CMD splints.

The costs for CMD diagnoses are usually only covered by private health insurance. Patients with statutory health insurance must pay these costs privately.