M26.633 Articular disc disorder of bilateral temporomandibular joint

Name of the Condition

• Articular Disc Disorder of Bilateral Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)
• Also known as TMJ Disc Derangement or TMJ Internal Derangement

Summary

Articular disc disorder of the bilateral temporomandibular joint refers to a condition affecting the discs that cushion the joints connecting your jawbone to your skull. When these discs are misaligned or damaged, it can lead to pain and restricted jaw movement.

Causes

• Trauma to the jaw (e.g., a blow or impact)
• Habitual teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
• Structural jaw abnormalities
• Arthritis in the TMJ

Risk Factors

• Genetic predisposition to joint or connective tissue disorders
• Stress leading to teeth grinding or jaw clenching
• Gum chewing or nail-biting habits
• Certain connective tissue diseases, like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

Symptoms

• Jaw pain or tenderness
• Difficulty in opening or closing the mouth
• Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when moving the jaw
• Jaw locking or inability to move it fully

Diagnosis

• Physical examination by a dentist or oral surgeon
• Imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans to view the joint and disc position
• Patient history evaluation focusing on symptoms

Treatment Options

• Medications: pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants
• Physical Therapy: exercises to stretch and strengthen jaw muscles
• Oral Splints or Mouthguards: to prevent teeth grinding at night
• Surgery: in severe cases, to correct misalignment or repair the joint

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• Many patients experience symptom relief with treatment, though some may have chronic symptoms.
• Regular dental or medical check-ups are important to monitor progress and adjust treatments as necessary.

Complications

• Chronic jaw pain
• Difficulty eating or speaking
• Potentially leading to arthritis in the jaw joint if untreated

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Stress management techniques to reduce teeth grinding
• Avoiding gum chewing and nail-biting
• Maintaining a diet with softer foods to minimize jaw strain

When to Seek Professional Help

• Persistent or severe jaw pain
• Signs of jaw joint locking
• Inability to fully open or close the mouth comfortably

Additional Resources

• American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS)
• TMJ Association https://www.tmj.org
• National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research https://www.nidcr.nih.gov

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure bilateral involvement is specified for accurate coding as M26.633.
• Double-check for documentation supporting the disc disorder specifics.
• Avoid confusion with other temporomandibular joint disorders.