Headaches, facial pain, neck pain, or ear pain-these are just a few of the symptoms of TMD, otherwise known as temporo-mandibular joint disorder. When any of these symptoms continue without explanation, a professional evaluation is needed.

What causes TMD?

To understand the cause of TMD, it's necessary to know something about the workings of your jaws. These problems are usually centered in the joint that connects your lower jawbone to your skull. Facial movements, including those used in chewing, swallowing, and talking, require this joint to be able to move freely. A misalignment of the jaw can be related to trauma or damage that has built up over time.

Diagnosing TMD

There are several different diagnostic techniques, including impressions of the teeth and different types of x-rays to examine jaw structure and areas of the head and neck.

Conservative Treatment

Treatment for TMD usually involves methods for resting the affected joint and relieving the pain. If the problem has been caused by a habit such as clenching or grinding, steps will need to be taken to control that. One such step may be a nighttime mouthguard or other orthopedic appliance. Some patients have good results with physical therapy or training to improve posture.

You may need restorative dentistry to adjust your bite. Sticking to softer foods and avoiding chewing gum are often recommended. TMD does not usually require a surgical solution.

Regular TMD checks may be needed after treatment to help prevent further problems. Stressful situations often precede a recurrence of symptoms, but by being aware of your TM joints and following professional recommen-dations, you may be able to avoid pain later.

Why suffer?

TMD can be a debilitating ailment if symptoms are not diagnosed and a treatment plan is not implemented. The American Dental Association notes that about 60 million of us are affected with signs and symptoms of this problem. The myriad of symptoms that TMD causes can result in lost work time and interrupt home and family activities, significantly impacting your quality of life. No one should suffer unnecessarily with these problems when diagnosis and treatment are so readily available. If you notice any of the signs or symptoms we’ve described, don’t hesitate to call us. We’ve helped many patients alleviate suffering so they could happily return to their normal activities.