Temporomandibular Joint Disorder Questions
What is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder is when the temporomandibular joint, a ball-and-socket joint that connects your lower jaw and skull, is displaced or not functioning properly. Often referred to as simply TMD or TMJ, it results in a misaligned jaw, which causes additional stress on other nerves and muscles.
What Symptoms are Associated With TMD?
Your temporomandibular joint affects every minute jaw movement. If it’s displaced, your entire health is compromised.
Common symptoms of TMD are:
- Insomnia
- Painful and loose teeth
- Headaches upon waking
- An unrelenting earache or ringing in your ears
- Your jaw clicks, pops and locks often
- Pain behind the ears
- Chronic migraines
Unfortunately, these symptoms are brushed away with a Tylenol, or to a specialist who misdiagnosis the condition. Most people don’t even think to relay their chronic pain concerns to their dentist, which is why so many of the 40 million Americans suffering from TMD go untreated.
What Causes Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?
Both present habits and past traumas can displace a temporomandibular joint. Common causes occur from:
- Engaging in bad daily habits that further stress your mouth and jaw, like teeth grinding, gum chewing, poor posture and gum chewing
- Participating in heavy contact sports that are prone to head trauma
- Improper dental work
- Suffering from whiplash or head trauma during a car accident
- Having a concussion
If you suffer from the symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder and have been exposed to a situation where your temporomandibular joint could easily have been misplaced, you need to consult with your dentist about a TMD assessment.
How is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder Diagnosed?
If you believe you have a misaligned temporomandibular joint, it’s necessary to relay your concerns to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, like Dr. Daria Hamrah, or your dentist. Jaw x-rays, an analysis of your bite, and evaluating their interaction will determine the alignment of your temporomandibular joint.
How is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder Treated?
Dentists and oral surgeons typically suggest a combination of in-office techniques, such as tooth modification and orthodontics, and at-home remedies, like applying cold and hot compresses, modifying your diet, and limiting your jaw movement. This will only reduce your pain.
The only solution to eliminating chronic pain associated with TMD is through oral surgery from a skilled oral surgeon like Dr. Hamrah.
If you live in the Washington, D.C. or Northern Virginia areas and believe you are suffering from Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, please contact our office at Novasurgicare Phone Number 703-288-4495 to schedule your personal consultation. There is no need to suffer with the painful symptoms of TMD or TMJ any longer.