Are you experiencing stiffness, popping, clicking, pain when you open or close your mouth, and suffering from chronic headaches or neck discomfort? If so, you might be dealing with a TMJ disorder. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ), also referred to as temporomandibular disorders (TMD), are the leading cause of chronic facial pain and jaw dysfunction. In fact, more than 10 million people in the United States are affected by TMJ problems.
Your jaw is a complex and intricate structure. Two temporomandibular joints connect your left and right lower jaw to the temporal bone on either side of your skull. Together, these joints, along with surrounding muscles, ligaments, and tendons, allow for a wide range of oral functions such as chewing, speaking, yawning, and moving your jaw in multiple directions.
The TMJ contains a shock-absorbing, soft disc that sits between the rounded condyles of both sides of the lower jaw and the corresponding concavities in the skull's temporal bone. This delicate balance of movement enables smooth, painless jaw function. Due to its intricacy, the TMJ is often considered one of the most complicated joints in the human body and can be particularly challenging to address when problems arise.
TMJ disorders can fall into different categories, each with their own set of symptoms:
There is an increased risk of developing a TMJ problem in cases where there is long-term teeth grinding or bruxism, a jaw injury, or certain types of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Symptoms can vary from person to person and may include earaches, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), headaches, back and neck pain, vertigo, muscle spasms, joint tenderness, jaw pain, popping or grating sounds with jaw movement, jaw locking, and limited jaw movement. Depending on the individual, a TMJ disorder can either resolve quickly or persist for an extended period despite extensive treatment.
Although dealing with a TMJ disorder may feel frustrating, there is hope for relief. At our office, we provide the diagnostic and treatment services necessary to help you get back on the path to better oral health and function. We tailor each patient's care plan to their unique needs, employing treatments such as occlusal equilibration, oral appliances like night guards, restorative, or orthodontic care.
We understand that dealing with TMJ disorders can be a difficult and complex journey. But please know that our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way. By working together, we can help you overcome jaw pain and dysfunction to achieve better oral health and overall well-being.
To learn more about TMJ disorders or how our office can help, please give us a call or visit us online. We look forward to hearing from you and assisting with your unique dental needs!
