Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
FAQs
Q. What is internal derangement of the disc, and what should a person do if they have it?
Q. How can I tell if some of my pain is due to nerve damage?
A. Nerve damage pain is often the reason that pain continues after healing has occurred. Nerve damage pain is usually burning but can also be achy. The area is usually very sensitive to light touch. If you have chronic pain in the neck or jaw, make sure your TMD care provider checks you for nerve damage pain as part of your treatment. This is especially important before any surgery, as surgery to an area that has nerve pain will make the pain worse instead of better. Anti-convulsant medications are often an effective treatment for nerve damage pain.
A. Internal derangement is anterior disc displacement. When the disc in the joint is displaced forward, there is usually a popping noise in the joint. This does not usually need treatment unless pain or locking occurs with the popping. You can usually tell if the joint is locked because the popping stops and your jaw moves toward the side of the pain when you try to open. If there is pain or locking, you should see a dentist who is an expert in TMD to advise you about treatment. Surgery is usually not needed.
Q. How can I tell if some of my pain is due to nerve damage?
A. Nerve damage pain is often the reason that pain continues after healing has occurred. Nerve damage pain is usually burning but can also be achy. The area is usually very sensitive to light touch. If you have chronic pain in the neck or jaw, make sure your TMD care provider checks you for nerve damage pain as part of your treatment. This is especially important before any surgery, as surgery to an area that has nerve pain will make the pain worse instead of better. Anti-convulsant medications are often an effective treatment for nerve damage pain.