Symptoms of TMJ/TMD

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, otherwise TMJ/TMD or TMD refers to the misalignment of the temporomandibular joint, which often results in pain. There are several causes of TMJ/TMD, however, the ultimate outcome is that a person can experience severe pain in the form of headaches, earaches, neck pain, jaw pain, tooth pain, jaw clicking/popping, and migraines. Proper treatment through neuromuscular dentistry can mitigate the pain and even eliminate it for some people. Please click on some of the common symptoms.

If you suffer from unexplainable face pain that moves to other parts of your body as well then you may be experiencing a side effect of TMJ/TMD. We often hear that it starts at the face and may make its way to surrounding areas such as neck, shoulder, and ears. Muscle tension and facial swelling can also be attributed to TMJ/TMD. Some common issues of face pain are listed below:

• Migraines
• Cluster Headaches
• Sinus-like Headaches
• Acute Headaches
• Dizziness
• Eye Pain or Pressure

The temporomandibular joints connect the jawbone to the skull. Located at the sides of the head near each ear, these joints play an essential role in eating, speaking, and making facial expressions. In fact, the temporomandibular joint ( TMJ) is one of the most frequently used and complex joints in the entire body.

TMJ disorder can develop when one or both of the temporomandibular joints stop functioning properly. This may happen due to any number of causes and may result in chronic ear pain, jaw stiffness and soreness, difficulty opening the mouth, jaw popping or clicking, and headaches. Sufferers of TMJ disorder may experience either sharp pain or a dull, constant ache. Because the causes and symptoms of TMJ disorder are so varied, the condition is typically classified into three main sub-categories:

• Myofacial pain
• Internal derangement of the joint
• Inflammatory joint disease

These classifications help doctors develop more effective treatment options for sufferers of TMJ disorder, based on each patient’s unique symptoms and needs. For proper diagnosis and treatment of TMJ conditions, a patient may require evaluations from multiple medical specialists. In addition to general dentists, dentists trained in neuromuscular dentistry, primary care physicians, and otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat specialists) are typically sought for TMJ diagnosis and care. These health care professionals can provide more information on what causes the condition, how it is treated, and other TMJ topic.


Treatment
Since the teeth, jaw joints, and muscles can all be involved, treatment for this condition varies. Typically, treatment will involve several phases. The first goal is to relieve the muscle spasm and pain. Then, your dentist must correct the way the teeth fit together. Often a temporary device (known as an orthotic, or "splint") is worn over the teeth until the bite is stabilized. Permanent correction may involve selective re-shaping of the teeth, building crowns on the teeth, orthodontics, or a permanent appliance to lay over the teeth. If the jaw joint itself is damaged, it must be specifically treated. Though infrequent, surgery is sometimes required to correct a damaged joint. Ultimately, your dentist will stabilize your bite so that the teeth, muscles, and joints all work together without strain. The important aim of correcting your bite is to insure optimal long-term health. If you have any of the signs or symptoms mentioned, discuss them with your dentist. Your health is your most priceless possession. It is worth the investment.

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