TMJ osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease in which the cartilage and bone tissues gradually break down. Symptoms include:

• pain and discomfort in the joint area
• limited jaw movement
• clicking and crunching sounds when opening or closing the mouth

If you notice these signs, it is important to consult a gnathologist at Doctor Dent in Astana as soon as possible. Early diagnosis simplifies treatment and reduces its cost.

Have you discovered signs of osteoarthritis? Schedule an in-person appointment with our gnathologist.

The Doctor Dent clinic is staffed by experienced specialists with advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of TMJ disorders. Patients come to us with issues such as:

• tooth wear
• crunching and clicking in the joint
• pain when opening the mouth
• bruxism
• headaches and ringing in the ears

We conduct a full examination and select an individual treatment plan.

• Teamwork: Comprehensive therapy involving gnathologists, orthodontists, and surgeons.
• Modern Diagnostics: Digital scanners, CT, condylography — all procedures in a single clinic.
• Anti-Stress Approach: Patient comfort at all stages of treatment.

Radiological studies are used for diagnosis:

• OPTG — panoramic X-ray to assess the condition of the TMJ.
• MRI — high-precision images of the joint’s soft tissues.

Osteoarthritis develops when the renewal of cartilage and synovial fluid is disrupted. Main factors:

• frequent intubations
• jaw injuries: bruising, dislocation, fracture
• constant load on the joint
• missing teeth or chewing on only one side
• bruxism and chronic stress
• bite misalignment
• prosthetic errors

• clicking in the joint
• limited jaw movement
• facial asymmetry
• discomfort when swallowing and chewing
• pain radiating to the ear, teeth, or temple

It is especially important to consult a doctor if you have previously had TMJ arthritis, facial injuries, tooth extractions, or an acute infectious disease.

TMJ osteoarthritis goes through four stages — from the initial stage with minor changes to complete jaw immobility. The rate of progression is individual, so do not delay your visit to a specialist.

It begins with a consultation with a gnathologist: examination, medical history taking, and assessment of the possibility of conservative treatment. If necessary — in-depth diagnostics with an individual selection of procedures.

Treatment takes time and requires teamwork from dentists of different specializations. Methods are selected individually:

1. Splint therapy — a mouthguard for muscle relaxation and joint stabilization (for several months).
2. Temporary tooth overlays to correct the jaw position.
3. Orthodontic and orthopedic treatment to restore a correct bite.
4. Regular monitoring by a gnathologist.

The patient may be advised to change dietary habits, avoid hard foods, and reduce the load on the joint.

Osteoarthritis is not an inflammatory disease, so anti-inflammatory drugs are ineffective. The doctor may prescribe pain relievers and muscle relaxants to relax the muscles. The main task of dental treatment is to place the joint in the correct position.

In most cases, splint therapy is effective. If the joint is severely damaged, surgery is prescribed: restoration of joint fluid or joint replacement.

Doctor Dent physicians only use evidence-based medicine methods. Folk remedies and physiotherapy without a scientific evidence base are not used.

With early intervention and proper therapy, the prognosis is favorable. In late stages, surgical intervention may be required, followed by observation by a gnathologist.