When persistent jaw pain, headaches, or difficulty chewing interfere with your daily life, it’s time to seek expert help. TMD, short for temporomandibular disorder, can be a source of chronic discomfort and frustration for many patients.
What Is the TMJ and What Causes TMJ Disorders?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your lower jawbone to your skull. This joint facilitates everyday function, such as talking, chewing, speaking, and yawning. When there is an imbalance, there is often associated decreased function and/ or pain.
Common causes of TMD include:
- Jaw Misalignment: Irregular bite patterns can strain the joint.
- Tooth Misalignment: Malocclusion can overload the TMJ.
- Teeth Grinding (bruxism): Daytime and nighttime clenching put excessive force on the TMJ.
- Arthritis: Conditions such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can affect the joint.
- Trauma: Physical injury to the jaw or TMJ can cause long-term damage.
Millions of people in the United States suffer from TMJ disorders, and the symptoms can range from mildly uncomfortable to downright debilitating.
Signs and Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
How do you know if you might be experiencing TMJ issues? Here are some of the most common signs:
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Difficulty opening your mouth fully
- Clicking or popping sounds when moving the jaw
- Facial pain or discomfort
- Frequent headaches or migraines
- Earaches or a sense of fullness in the ears
- Pain when chewing or biting
TMJ symptoms don’t just affect your jaw. They can radiate into your head, neck, shoulders, and beyond, impacting your overall quality of life. If you’ve noticed these issues, seeking professional care like the kind provided at Advanced Implant & Oral Surgery is key.
Comprehensive TMJ Treatment in Plano, Texas
At Advanced Implant & Oral Surgery, Dr. Brandon Baker has extensive experience diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders. Thankfully, the majority of TMD is treated non-surgically as the majority of the symptoms in most people are actually caused by muscle inflammation rather than a problem inside the joint itself. Dr. Baker will examine you and determine the cause of your pain or dysfunction and next steps.