Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment in Patna

What is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)?

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a condition that affects the jaw joint (TMJ) and the surrounding muscles responsible for jaw movement. It can lead to pain, restricted jaw function, and discomfort while eating, speaking, or even resting.

The TMJ connects the lower jaw to the skull and plays a crucial role in daily activities like chewing and talking. When it becomes stressed, injured, or inflamed, patients may develop TMJ disorders.

Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorders

• Persistent jaw pain (dull, aching, or sharp)
• Clicking or popping sounds while opening/closing the mouth
• Limited jaw movement or jaw locking
• Headaches, especially in the temple or ear region
• Pain radiating to ears, face, or neck
• Earaches or ringing (tinnitus)
• Jaw stiffness, discomfort while chewing

Types of TMJ Disorders

1. Joint-related disorders – arthritis, disk displacement
2. Muscle-related disorders – jaw muscle spasms, tension
3. Headache-related disorders – muscle tension headaches linked to TMJ dysfunction

Causes of TMJ Disorders

• Jaw/Head Injury – trauma to jaw or neck
• Arthritis – osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis affecting the joint
• Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) – especially during sleep
• Stress – clenching and tension in jaw muscles
• Disk displacement – misaligned joint discs
• Other factors – poor bite alignment, orthodontic issues, poor posture

Diagnosis of TMJ Disorders

At Magadh Oro Dental, Patna, diagnosis involves:

• Physical Examination – checking jaw movement & tenderness
• Medical History Review – habits like grinding, stress, prior trauma
• Imaging Tests – X-rays, CBCT, or MRI for detailed assessment

TMJ Disorder Treatment Options at Magadh Oro Dental Clinic, Patna

Our Maxillofacial Surgeon Dr. Ritesh Vatsa and Oral Surgeon Dr. Abhishek Kumar offer personalized TMJ treatments ranging from conservative therapies to minimally invasive procedures.

✅ Conservative Treatments

• Self-care: Heat/cold packs, soft diet, avoiding excessive jaw use
• Oral Splints/Night Guards: Prevent teeth grinding, reduce joint stress
• Physical Therapy: Jaw exercises to restore movement & relieve tension
• Medications: Pain relievers, muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatories
• Stress Management: Relaxation techniques, counseling, yoga

✅ Advanced Treatments

• Injections: Corticosteroid injections to reduce joint inflammation
• Dental Bite Correction: Alignment treatments if bite problems exist

TMJ Arthrocentesis at Magadh Oro Dental Clinic

Arthrocentesis is a minimally invasive TMJ procedure offered at our clinic. It helps patients with severe pain, joint locking, or disk displacement when conservative treatments fail.

How It Works:

• Small needles are inserted into the TMJ
• The joint is flushed with saline solution
• Inflammatory debris & adhesions are removed
• Pain decreases and jaw mobility improves

Best for:

• Jaw locking (closed lock)
• Disc displacement
• Chronic intracapsular pain
• TMJ arthritis

Watch : arthrocentesis to relief tmj pain | maxillofacial surgeon at magadh oro dental clinic patna

Cost of TMJ Arthrocentesis in Patna

At Magadh Oro Dental Clinic, TMJ Arthrocentesis costs:
💰 ₹5,000 – ₹15,000 per procedure (depending on complexity, diagnostics & surgeon fees).

This is much more affordable than extensive TMJ surgeries and offers quicker recovery.

Surgical Treatment for TMJ Disorders

In rare and complex cases, surgery may be required to correct severe structural problems in the joint. Surgery is considered only after all conservative and minimally invasive treatments are exhausted.

Conclusion

TMJ disorders can cause severe discomfort and affect daily life, but with the right diagnosis and treatment, relief is possible.

At Magadh Oro Dental Clinic, Patna, our Maxillofacial Surgeon Dr. Ritesh Vatsa and Oral Surgeon Dr.  Abhishek Kumar provide affordable, advanced TMJ care, including arthrocentesis for long-term pain relief.

📞 Book your consultation today to find the best solution for your jaw pain and regain a pain-free smile.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about TMJ Disorders

Q1. What is the most common cause of TMJ disorders?
The most common causes are teeth grinding (bruxism), stress-related jaw clenching, arthritis, or injury to the jaw joint.

Q2. Can stress cause TMJ problems?
Yes. Stress often leads to jaw clenching or teeth grinding, which puts pressure on the TMJ and can worsen pain.

Q3. How is TMJ disorder diagnosed at Magadh Oro Dental Clinic?
Diagnosis is done through a jaw examination, medical history review, and if needed, imaging tests like X-rays, CBCT, or MRI.

Q4. Is TMJ curable permanently?
Most patients experience long-term relief with treatments like night guards, physical therapy, and arthrocentesis. Permanent cure depends on the underlying cause (e.g., arthritis may require ongoing care).

Q5. What is the cost of TMJ arthrocentesis in Patna?
At Magadh Oro Dental Clinic, TMJ Arthrocentesis costs ₹5,000 – ₹15,000, depending on the complexity of the case and diagnostic needs.

Q6. Is TMJ arthrocentesis painful?
No, the procedure is usually done under local anesthesia and is considered minimally invasive. Patients may feel mild discomfort but most report significant pain relief afterward.

Q7. How long does TMJ arthrocentesis last?
Relief can last from several months to years. Some patients experience permanent improvement, while others may need additional therapy if symptoms return.

Q8. When should I see a dentist for TMJ disorder?
If you have persistent jaw pain, clicking/popping sounds, difficulty opening your mouth, or jaw locking, you should consult a Maxillofacial Surgeon for evaluation.