Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)

Do you suffer from pain in the jaw?  Does your jaw click and pop while eating? Millions of Americans suffer from chronic facial and neck pain as well as recurring headaches. In some cases, this pain is due to Temporomandibular Disorder, or TMD.

​

Your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect your lower jawbone to your skull. These joints get a lot of use throughout the day as you speak, chew, swallow, and yawn. Pain in and around these joints can be unpleasant and may even restrict movement or function.

​

Symptoms of TMD include:
Pain in the jaw area

Pain, ringing, or stuffiness in the ears

Frequent headaches or neck aches

Clicking or popping sound when the jaw moves

Swelling on the sides of the face

Muscle spasms in the jaw area

A change in the alignment of top and bottom teeth

Locked jaw or limited opening of the mouth

 

Should you notice any of these symptoms, let your doctor know. Your surgeon can examine you and help indicate the presence of TMD.  A personalized treatment plan will be created just for you. Conservative and surgical therapies are possible including customized oral appliances(orthotics) to help with symptoms.

 

There are a few simple steps you can take at home or work to prevent TMD from becoming more severe, or to prevent it from occurring:

Relax your face — remember the rule: "Lips together, teeth apart"

Avoid clenching or grinding your teeth, if you do get fitted for an appliance

Avoid constant gum chewing

Don't cradle the phone receiver between your head and shoulder — either use a headset or hold the receiver in your hand

Let your doctor know of any past injuries to the neck or back including motor vehicle accidents