More Questions About Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)

Washington, D.C. & Northern Virginia

What is the temporomandibular joint?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a ball-and-socket joint that connects your skull and lower jaw. Even the slightest jaw movement utilizes this joint, so if it is misaligned or displaced, you will endure chronic pain and suffering, often without knowledge of why.

What is the difference between TMJ and TMD?

TMJ is the acronym for the temporomandibular joint. TMD is the acronym for temporomandibular joint disorder, which is a condition caused by misalignment of your TMJ or diseases associated with the joint itself.

How can I tell if I have temporomandibular joint disorder?

TMD symptoms are elusive and frequently get misdiagnosed as another condition. Due to an uneducated public that is unaware of TMD symptoms, few patients bring their concerns to an oral health professional.

If you suffer from one or more of the following symptoms, you may have problems associated with the temporomandibular joint:

• Tooth grinding
• Inexplicable tooth chipping
• Constant neck, back, and/or facial pain
• Frequent ear ringing
• Limited and/or painful jaw movement
• Chronic morning headaches
• Jaw popping, clicking, or locking

I had my bite corrected when I was younger. How could I have TMD now?

If a physician untrained in neuromuscular dentistry corrected your bite, your treatment may have misaligned your temporomandibular joint or a joint disease progressed that was unrelated to your treatment.

 

Even proper jaw alignment at a young age does not exclude you from developing temporomandibular joint disorder as there are many reasons for TMD. Numerous factors can cause problems with your temporomandibular joint, including:

• Engaging in heavy contact sports (trauma)
• Being the victim of whiplash after a car accident
• Frequent jaw clenching or teeth grinding
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Tumors of the jaw joint and associated structures
• Degenerative joint disease

Is surgery required to fix TMD?

There is no one solution for TMD as it can have many causes. Joint surgery/oral surgery from an experienced surgeon, such as Dr. Daria Hamrah can be helpful in select cases. However, a correct diagnosis is paramount for the success of the treatment.

 

If you are unable to surgically address your temporomandibular joint disease, you can attempt at-home solutions, including:

• Diet modification
• Limiting your jaw movement
• Application of hot and cold compresses
• Wearing an orthotic, which is a night-time appliance used to stabilize your bite

 

While none of the above remedies will eliminate the cause of your chronic pain, they can effectively minimize the pain you endure.

 

Dr. Daria Hamrah is a skilled oral and maxillofacial surgeon with the necessary experience and tools to effectively diagnose and treat your temporomandibular joint disorder. If you believe you are suffering from TMD and live in the Washington, D.C. or northern Virginia area, please contact our oral surgery office today to schedule your personal consultation.

 

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