Internal Joint Derangement Treatment in Knoxville, TN

Find Relief from TMJ Disorders with Our Local Knoxville Dentist

Living with chronic jaw pain doesn’t have to be your reality. If you’re experiencing symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders, our experienced TMJ dentist in Knoxville, TN, is here to help. We diagnose and provide treatment for internal joint derangement and other temporomandibular disorders, providing comprehensive care that addresses both your immediate pain and long-term oral health.

Ready to find relief? Contact our Knoxville dental office at (865) 687-8670 today. We proudly serve patients throughout East Tennessee, including Knoxville, Amherst, Marble City, West Knoxville, and surrounding communities.

What Is Internal Joint Derangement?

Internal joint derangement (internal derangement) is a specific type of temporomandibular joint disorder where the structures within your jaw joint—including ligaments, cartilage, and the TMJ disk—become damaged or displaced from their normal position. This condition affects the intricate sliding motions of your temporomandibular joint, leading to significant pain and limited jaw movement.

Unlike simple muscle tension or myofascial pain, internal joint derangement involves actual structural changes within the jaw joint itself, making professional treatment essential for long-term relief.

Types of Internal Joint Derangement

Understanding the different forms of disc displacement helps our Knoxville TMJ specialists determine the most effective treatment approach:

Disc Displacement With Reduction

Disc displacement with reduction is a common form occurring when your TMJ disk shifts out of position but returns to its normal position during jaw opening and closing. Key characteristics include:

Distinctive clicking or popping sounds when opening your mouth
Generally allows for normal maximum opening
May cause mild to moderate TMJ pain
Often, the first stage of internal joint derangement

Disc Displacement Without Reduction (Locked Jaw)

Disc displacement without reduction is a more severe condition that happens when the displaced disc remains stuck and cannot return to its proper position. Symptoms include:

Sudden limited opening (often less than 35mm)
Absence of clicking sounds (the joint becomes “quiet”)
Significant pain and difficulty with jaw movement
Challenges with chewing, speaking, and normal daily activities
May develop into degenerative joint disease if untreated

Posterior Disc Displacement

Posterior disc displacement is a less common but serious form where the disc moves backward, often causing:

Severe pain when attempting to open the jaw
Grating sounds during movement
Rapid progression to degenerative changes

Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorders

Recognizing the symptoms of internal joint derangement early can prevent progression to more severe cases. Watch for these warning signs:

Primary Symptoms:

Persistent jaw pain, especially on the affected side
Limited jaw movement or restricted opening
Clicking, popping sounds, or grating sounds during jaw movement
Sudden jaw locking episodes
Difficulty chewing certain foods

Secondary Symptoms:

Chronic headaches and neck pain
Ear pain and tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Referred pain extending to the temples and cheeks
Facial muscle tension and spasms
Changes in bite alignment

When experiencing symptoms of TMJ disorders, don’t delay seeking treatment. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes and can prevent the need for more invasive procedures. Call our dental office at (865) 687-8670 today to schedule a consultation with our Knoxville dentist.

What Causes Internal Joint Derangement?

Various factors contribute to the development of temporomandibular disorders:

Direct Trauma and Injury: Jaw joint issues can arise from motor vehicle accidents, facial or jaw sports injuries, and falls or impacts to the temporal bone area.
Degenerative Changes: Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and age-related wear can negatively impact the jaw joint, causing discomfort and reduced mobility.
Behavioral and Lifestyle Factors: Bruxism and clenching, chronic gum chewing, poor posture, and high stress levels can all contribute to jaw issues by placing extra stress or affecting alignment and muscle tension.
Anatomical Factors: Prior jaw joint issues, joint hypermobility, and articular eminence abnormalities can increase the risk of future jaw problems.

Comprehensive Treatment Options for Internal Joint Derangement

Our Knoxville TMJ dentist near you explains a full spectrum of treatment options, tailored to your specific condition and symptoms:

Conservative Treatment Approaches (First-Line Therapy)

Pain Management:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for acute inflammation
Muscle relaxants to reduce muscle tension
Prescription medications for chronic pain management

Physical Therapy:

Specialized exercises to improve jaw joint function
Manual manipulation techniques
Relaxation techniques for stress-related TMJ disorders

Lifestyle Modifications:

Dietary changes to reduce jaw strain
Good posture training
Stress management strategies

Intermediate Interventions

Oral Appliances:

Custom night guards to prevent teeth grinding
Repositioning splints for disc displacement
Stabilization appliances for joint protection

Injection Therapies:

Corticosteroid injections for inflammation
Trigger point injections for myofascial pain
Hyaluronic acid injections for joint lubrication

Advanced Treatment for Severe Cases

When nonsurgical treatments don’t provide adequate relief, surgical options may include:

Arthroscopic surgery for disc repositioning
Open joint surgery for severe displacement
Joint replacement in cases of extensive degenerative changes

Comprehensive Evaluation by Your Knoxville TMJ Dentist

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. Our thorough evaluation process includes:

Clinical Assessment

Detailed medical history focusing on TMJ symptoms
Comprehensive physical examination of jaw function
Evaluation of jaw opening range and movement patterns
Assessment of muscle tension and trigger points

Advanced Imaging Tests

Digital X-rays: Initial screening for bone abnormalities
MRI Imaging: The gold standard for evaluating disc position and soft tissues
CT Scans: Detailed bone structure analysis when needed
Cone Beam CT: 3D imaging for complex cases

Functional Analysis

Bite analysis and occlusal evaluation
Joint loading tests
Movement pattern assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

East Tennessee’s humid climate can sometimes affect joint inflammation. Additionally, stress from traffic on I-40 and I-75, along with seasonal allergies common in our area, may contribute to muscle tension and TMJ flare-ups.

Treatment duration varies depending on severity. Conservative treatments may show improvement in four to eight weeks, while more complex cases requiring surgical intervention may need three to six months for full recovery.

Yes! Early intervention, stress management, avoiding hard foods, limiting chewing gum, and maintaining good posture can prevent progression. Regular check-ups with our Knoxville TMJ specialist help monitor your condition.

Find Relief for Internal Joint Derangement Symptoms. Schedule Your Consultation!

Don’t let jaw pain control your life. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms for the first time or have been dealing with chronic TMJ disorders, our experienced team is here to help you find relief.

Contact our Knoxville TMJ dentist today at (865) 687-8670. We proudly provide expert TMJ care to patients throughout Knoxville, TN, and surrounding areas such as West Knoxville, Amherst, and Marble City. We’re committed to providing the comprehensive, compassionate care you deserve for your temporomandibular joint disorders.