What is TMJ/TMD?

TMJ or TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder) is a term used to describe an entire group of symptoms that can include jaw pain, headaches, facial pain, worn/eroded teeth and clicking or popping in the jaw. Frequently, when Dr. Levy diagnoses TMJ disorder in a patient, they report at least two of the above symptoms. Snoring and teeth grinding are also widespread among patients who suffer from TMJ disorder. Women tend to experience more pain associated with TMJ disorder, but men have more significant damage to teeth, bone, and gums from the disorder.

The temporomandibular joint is the joint that connects the lower joint to the skull. It is an extremely complex joint and is located in an area of the body where the disorder contributes to migraine headaches, numbness or tingling in the arms and hands and significant neck and shoulder pain. In almost all cases, TMJ disorder is caused by a “bad bite” or malocclusion. Dr. Levy has seen hundreds of patients who suffer from TMJ disorder and is able to diagnose and treat most of the cases with the principles of neuromuscular dentistry.

If you have any of the following symptoms, an evaluation with Sleep Better Columbus can help to determine the best treatment options for eliminating pain and restoring your bite to the proper position.

• Facial Pain
• Numbness and tingling in arms and hands
• Headaches/Migraines
• Jaw Pain
• Sore/sensitive teeth
• Shoulder pain
• Clicking or popping in the jaw
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Vertigo (dizzyness)