TMJ ankylosis is a difficult situation. Ankylosis is the stiffening and/or immobility of a joint resulting from disease, trauma, surgery or the abnormal fusion of the bones. The word comes from the Greek, ankulos meaning crooked or bent. Immobility of the jaw joint can be caused by a number of things so the TMJ treatment needed to resolve the problem differs in different patients. Spasm, shortening and inflammation of the jaw muscles will limit the amount a patient can open his or her mouth. However, this is due to the tightening of the related muscles not because of internal damage within the temporomandibular joint.

           Damage within one or both jaw joints can cause TMJ ankylosis and limited jaw movement. When the TMJ disc is damaged, it often slips out of place in a forward and inward direction. Jaw clicking and jaw popping are caused when this damaged and dislocated disc pops back into place. In some patients, a displaced TMJ disc stays anteriorly displaced and becomes an obstruction preventing the jaw from moving forward. If one jaw joint is involved, the whole jaw shifts to the side of the damaged joint. It's called deviation to the affected side and is a well known phenomenon in medicine.

           Undoubtably, TMJ disc displacement is the starting point of TMJ ankylosis. This spitting forward of the disc is usually caused by increased joint pressure forcing the disc forward like a watermelon seed. Increased pressure across a joint is caused by muscle contraction. The muscles must relax for the disc to slip back into place. That is why we always attempt first to correct the muscle dysfunction before treating the joint problem. This is achieved with a soft muscle relaxation guard.

           Because there are many different causes for TMJ ankylosis, there are different treatments. It is important to find a patient doctor who will work with you. Dr. Padolsky, our TMJ doctor, is dedicated to his patients' good health and well being. He has been caring for patients with TMJ problems since 1982. Because TMJ syndrome can usually be successfully treated, Dr. Padolsky does not believe in TMJ surgery. You are welcome to join his family of patient by scheduling your first appointment, call 404-874-7428. It's the first step in getting better.