Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a common but frequently serious condition in which the joint that connects the upper and lower jaws (the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ) becomes misaligned, causing problems ranging from tooth grinding and jaw problems to migraine headaches.
TMD can be caused by a number of different things. In some cases, it is the result of injury or dental disease. In others, it can be caused by natural tooth wear that is a part of the aging process.
Fortunately, modern neuromuscular dentistry offers a range of diagnostic and treatment options that can pinpoint and treat the causes of TMD more effectively than ever before.
What are the symptoms of TMD?
TMD can cause a very wide range of symptoms, from mild to serious, including:
- Tooth grinding, also called bruxism
- Clicking and popping of the jaw
- Difficulty moving the jaw, including chewing, speaking, and opening and closing the mouth
- Migraines
- Headaches and neckaches
- Locking of the jaw
- Soreness or other pain around the face and jaw
- Tingling in the fingers
It is important that you seek attention for this condition as soon as possible, as TMD can progress very rapidly and may cause serious damage to your teeth and your overall health.
In many cases, for example, existing TMD causes tooth grinding, which can rapidly wear the teeth down, causing further misalignment of the bite, and exacerbating the case of TMD. If diagnosed and treated early, damage such as this can be avoided entirely.
What treatments are available?
Fortunately, the field of neuromuscular dentistry offers a range of treatments for TMD, and in many cases, the condition can be halted and the effects reversed.
The specific TMJ treatment that is right for you will depend primarily on the specifics of your condition. In many cases, all that is needed is some corrective dental work to bring your bite back into proper alignment.
Our staff uses advanced, low-radiation diagnostic imaging from Digital Panorex to diagnose and evaluate TMD. This state of the art tool lets us take precise digital images of your jaw so we can accurately establish the type, cause, and severity of your condition, and recommend the appropriate treatment based on your needs.
No matter how mild or severe your case is now, it is important that you address the problem promptly, before more lasting damage is done.
Learn more
If you would like to learn more about TMD and you live in the New York City area, please contact our offices today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Iott or one of our other excellent dentists. We will schedule a comprehensive personal evaluation for you, and answer any questions you might have.
