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TMJ/TMD EXPLAINED
TMJ SPECIALIST IN BEVERLY, MA
TMD/TMJ Pain is serious and should be addressed quickly.
What is TMJ/TMD?
TMJ is an abbreviation for Temporomandibular Joint, which is the jaw joint just in front of the ear. TMD on the other hand stand for Temporomandibular Disorder, a disorder of that jaw joint. These two terms are often used synonymously, but it is important that we understand everyone has a TMJ, but not everyone is suffering from a TMD.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder is a disorder that can lead to intense facial pains. Women who are of childbearing age are most commonly affected, but TMD can affect men and children as well and the severity of each case ranges from mild discomfort to intense chronic pain that inhibits eating, talking, and everyday life. The exact causes of this disorder are unknown. However, it can manifest in painful and uncomfortable symptoms. Here at the Exceptional Sleep and TMJ, we treat a range of patients who suffer from TMD.
What do jaws problems have to do with dentistry?
TMJ is a term used to describe a disorder associated with the muscles of your temporomandibular joint which connects your lower jaw to your skull. Since the joint is directly affected with the position of the jaw, dental appliances and procedures can change the way the joint moves, allowing us to relieve pressure on the joint and allow healing. Symptoms of TMD can include:
- jaw pain
- headaches
- facial pain
- worn/eroded teeth
- clicking or popping in the jaw
- neck and shoulder pain
- difficulty sleeping and eating
- tiredness in the jaw when speaking or eating
Snoring and teeth grinding are also widespread among patients who suffer from TMJ disorder. Women tend to experience more pain from TMJ disorder, but men tend to have more significant damage to their teeth bone and gums. The temporomandibular joint is a very complex joint, and its location is in an area of the body where many muscles, bones and nerves cross paths. A TMJ disorder is often caused by a bad bite or malocclusion.
Many people find it extremely difficult to enjoy everyday activities because of a painful condition such as a headache, earache, sore ear or an aching neck. It has been estimated that more than twenty-eight million people suffer from chronic headaches, while about forty-five million experience migraine headaches on a regular basis.
These headache sufferers and those who experience facial pain, sore jaws and even tinnitus assume that these are symptoms of some medical disorder. As a result, they often seek diagnosis and treatment from a medical professional to help them find relief from the debilitating pain. The patient or the physician may not suspect that jaw problems (TMJ) may be the underlying cause of the pain.
Relieve TMJ pain with neuromuscular dentistry and get back to enjoying your life
Dr. Benjamin Polan is a dentist in Beverly, MA who is specially trained to thoroughly evaluate TMJ problems. Since every individual has unique needs that require different treatment approaches, every patient receives an individualized treatment plan tailored to meet those needs.
Patients who receive the proper corrective treatments benefit from improvements in chewing, breathing and possibly even speaking. Those who suffer from debilitating pain find relief once balance is restored to the mouth. TMJ treatment will help you enjoy a better quality of life and an overall enhanced appearance.