Temporomandibular disorder is a disorder of the temporomandibular joint, which is located in the jaw. Symptoms of TMD may include pain in the joint or muscles that surround it. The pain may be worse when chewing, yawning, or talking. Other symptoms may include popping sounds from the joint and limited mouth opening. TMD can cause chronic pain and difficulty eating and speaking. Treatment for TMD includes medications, physical therapy, and braces for teeth grinding. Temporomandibular joint disorder may be caused by temporomandibular joint dysfunction. This can lead to debilitating pain and generally impacts the quality of life for those who suffer from it. It is also, on occasion, a manifestation of other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, or chronic sinusitis. Generally speaking, it has been found that TMD is a common condition impacting over 27 million people in the United States alone.
Dentists trained to treat temporomandibular disorder serving the Columbus OH metropolitan service area.
Sleep Better Columbus is committed to providing excellent care for people with temporomandibular disorders through a variety of treatments. Dr. Levy and Dr. Slabach are trained to treat temporomandibular disorder and temporomandibular dysfunction. They are on a mission to provide excellent care for those with TMD. We want to help you find a treatment that suits your needs and budget.
What are temporomandibular disorders (TMD)?
TMD is a disorder that affects the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a group of conditions that affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). TMD is not a single condition, but rather a group of related conditions. The temporomandibular joint is where the lower jaw meets the skull. The following are examples of various types of TMDs:
- Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)
- Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD)
- Temporomandibular Discrepancy (TMD)
Temporomandibular disorders are more common in people who have problems with their teeth, jaw joints, or muscles. TMD is often caused by an injury to the jaw or teeth. It can also be caused by infection or stress. TMD can cause pain in your face and neck, popping and clicking of the jaw joint, and headaches. It can also cause difficulty chewing food and painful soreness. The most common TMDs are: Tension-type TMD: Occurs with no known cause or injury and is characterized by pain in or around the joint without any visible physical signs in the joint itself. Pain can be triggered by chewing, talking, yawning, or other activities that involve the muscles of mastication. The pain typically goes away at rest but may persist for weeks to months at a time. Degenerative joint disease: Occurs when there is wear and tear on cartilage due to aging or overuse. The symptoms may vary from person to person but usually include pain in one or both joints with chewing, talking, yawning, or other activities that involving the same muscles.
What causes TMD?
TMD is caused by a variety of factors, including the environment and genetics. Temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) is a disorder that affects the temporomandibular joint. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including the environment and genetics. The symptoms of TMD include pain in the jaw joint, ear pressure, headaches, clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth, difficulty chewing or swallowing food, and trouble talking.
Temporomandibular joint
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull and allows you to chew, speak and open your mouth. TMJ disorder is a condition in which the temporomandibular joint becomes inflamed or damaged. An individual may experience a TMJ disorder if they have been grinding their teeth or clenching their jaws for an extended period of time. The symptoms of TMJ disorders include: pain, limited range of motion, clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth, headaches, and earaches.
What are the signs and symptoms of TMD?
Temporomandibular disorder is a mouth condition that can cause pain and limitation of movement in the jaw. The symptoms of temporomandibular disorder vary from person to person and may include the following:
- Pain in the jaw, ear, or neck
- Tenderness or pain when chewing or opening the mouth
- A clicking sensation in the joint when opening and closing the mouth
- A feeling that something is caught in your throat
- Jaw locking (the jaw will not open)
- Difficulty speaking or swallowing
How is TMD diagnosed?
TMD is diagnosed by a physical examination, x-rays, and tests for bruxism. Temporomandibular disorders are diagnosed by a physical examination and x-rays. The doctor will check for signs of grinding or clenching of the jaw muscles. They will also check for signs of excessive chewing or biting on the inside of the mouth. If there are no signs of grinding, then they may do an intraoral examination to check for any problems with the joint between your lower jawbone and your skull that connects to the temporal bone in your skull. Tests may be done to rule out other conditions such as arthritis or a brain tumor that can cause symptoms similar to TMD.
How is TMD treated?
There are currently no treatments that can cure TMD, but there are a few ways in which the symptoms can be managed. The most common treatment for TMD is to prevent the teeth from clenching or grinding. This is done with a mouth guard or night guard. Some people also find relief by using painkillers and muscle relaxants. A dentist may recommend surgery if there is an underlying problem such as tooth decay or jaw joint arthritis that has caused the symptoms of TMD.
Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) Devices
Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) Devices are devices that are used to relieve pain and discomfort in the temporomandibular joints. They are often used to treat TMD symptoms including headaches, neck pain, and earaches. The devices work by applying pressure on the joint or muscles around it. This pressure is typically applied through a device that is held in place by the user’s mouth or jaw. Some of these devices have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) while others have not been approved yet.
TMJ Pain Relief: 8 Best Practices
- Maintain the resting position of your jaw
- Correct your posture
- Get a good night’s sleep
- Use a hot or cold compress
- Reduce stress
- Exercise your jaw
- Take notice of bad habits
- Avoid certain activities and foods