One dental area that dentists are called to address in all age groups is TMJ discomfort. “TMJ” stands for the temporomandibular joint or, otherwise, the jaw joint. Another area of concern for patients is TMD, which stands for temporomandibular disorder. TMD entails a range of facial and jaw dysfunctions.
Seeking a Cure for TMD Discomfort
One of the major issues with TMD is that there is no consensus on prevention, the cause, or a treatment. Fortunately, dental innovations, such as 3D imaging, has made it possible for patients to seek conservative treatments that reduce discomfort and encourage healing.
TMD Symptoms
One dentist in Toms River NJ, who specializes in TMD, says that TMD symptoms may take the following forms:
* Pain in the front part of the ear during chewing or closing or opening of the jaw
* Popping, clicking, or grinding noises in the jaw joints
* Jaw locking, open or closed
* Fatigue or discomfort of the muscles used for chewing
* Earaches
* Headaches
* Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
* Changes in occlusion
Causes of TMD
Typically, TMD is caused by one of a number of reasons. Patients who have experienced whiplash or bruxism normally experience TMD and seek treatment from a dentist. The condition can result from trauma to the jaw, chronic overloading of the jaw joint, clenching teeth, a joint sprain, loose joints, or a systemic disease. Other factors that lead to TMD include an abnormal posture, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, or a degenerative disease of the neck.
Each patient may have a specific reason for suffering from TMD as it does not exhibit a set cause for its development. For some people, TMD may result from a combination of factors, all of which contribute to their overall facial pain. TMD, from a scientific standpoint, is an orthopedic problem and must be treated that way. Making an appointment with a dentist who understands the special needs of TMD patients will lead to alleviation of the symptomatology. Click here for more information.
