TMJ/TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder) Article

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TMJ/TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder)

The temporomandibular joint connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull in front of the ear. Temporomandibular joint disorder is a term that refers to problems related to this joint. TMJ/TMD can be caused by injury, disease, aging or habits such as teeth grinding.

Author: Sara Goldstein

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Clenching or grinding the teeth changes the alignment of the teeth, causes muscle spasms and inflammation. Temporomandibular joint disorder is the source of chronic pain in many people. TMJ/TMD can cause the jaw to become locked or difficult to open, it can cause a popping or clicking sound, headaches and neck pain.

Symptoms of TMJ/TMD

• Head and facial pain
• Pain around eyes/watery eyes
• Tooth pain and sensitivity
• Inability to open and/or close jaw
• Ear pain
• Dizziness
• Swallowing difficulty
• Neck and back pain

Temporomandibular joint disorder causes pain in the facial muscles and jaw which can radiate down into the neck and shoulders. The pain is located in the joint in front of the ear or the skull, face or jaw. Tinnitus or ringing in the ears may be present along with hearing loss. As a matter of fact, TMJ/TMD is often misdiagnosed as an ear infection. The mouth may appear swollen or deviated to one side and you may also have difficulty swallowing. People often confuse the headache caused by TMJ/TMD with a tension or sinus headache, but this is often dispelled by a thorough examination by a neuromuscular dentist. Neuromuscular dentistry treats the causes of TMJ/TMD not only the symptoms.

A neuromuscular dentist treats temporomandibular joint disorder using the most advanced technologies available, such as:

• Physical therapy
• Surgery
• Cosmetic dentistry procedures
• Oral appliances
• Medication
• TENS (transcutaneous electrical neural stimulation)

About Author

If you reside in Indianapolis, Indiana or the surrounding area and would like to learn more about the treatment of TMJ/TMD, please visit the website of Advanced Cosmetic Dentistry & TMJ today so our team of highly skilled professionals who have the expertise to resolve your TMJ/TMD problems can assist you.

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