Millions of Americans suffer from TMJ Disorder (also referred to as TMD). The temporomandibular joint is the oral mechanism that allows you to open and close your mouth. Disorders affecting the joint can lead to severe and debilitating symptoms, many of which may not seem connected to the jaw joint. TMJ Disorder can be caused by a variety of issues, including trauma, arthritis, teeth grinding (bruxism), an improper bite, and even basic overuse of the joint.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder can widely vary among those who have the condition. Muscle and joint pain when you chew is one of the more common symptoms. Others include: stiffness in the jaw; jaw locking, popping, or clicking; headaches; facial pain; earaches; ringing in the ears; dizziness; numbness in the arms or fingers; and pain radiating to other parts of the body, including the neck, back, and shoulders. Again, while there are some symptoms of TMJ Disorder that may indicate a problem in the oral anatomy, many others seem so unrelated to the jaw joint that people are often unaware they have the condition.
The experienced dentists here at Aesthetic Smiles of New Jersey offer advanced diagnostic techniques and customized treatment options designed to help reduce the symptoms of TMJ Disorder. Depending on your unique needs, these treatments can include medication, a custom-designed oral appliance (mouthguard), bite and jaw therapy, occlusal equilibration, reconstructive dentistry, or oral surgery. Once you come in for an initial consultation, our dentist will perform a full oral examination to determine whether you may be suffering from TMJ Disorder. If so, he can talk with you about the best treatment options for your specific needs.
You can learn more about treatment options for this common condition on our comprehensive TMJ Disorder page. If you feel you may have TMJ Disorder, we encourage you to contact us today and our dentist will be happy to evaluate your needs.
Editor’s note: The original version of this post was published on February 3, 2016.
