TMJ and TMD

An older man is holding his mouth in pain because of a toothache.

What is TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders)?

Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) are a group of conditions that can cause pain or dysfunction in the jaw joints and muscles that control jaw movement. TMD may be caused by a variety of factors, such as trauma to the jaw joint, arthritis, teeth grinding, or misalignment. It can develop gradually and without any obvious cause.

TMD may not be life-threatening but it can have a significant impact on your comfort and dental health if untreated. Mount Laurel Dental & Implant Center has effective solutions to manage TMD, and relieve the pain and discomfort that it can cause.

“TMJ” refers to the temporomandibular joint where the lower jaw hooks into the skull, just in front of each ear. A disorder of this joint is quite common, and is referred to as “TMD” or “temporomandibular disorder.”

Because of misalignments in this joint or poor alignment of a patient’s bite (the way the upper and lower jaws meet), this joint can experience abnormal levels of wear. Inflammation and damage to the ligaments and other structures result. Finally, the joint itself can develop arthritis or experience excessive wear that causes the bones in this area to become misshapen.

That’s why it’s important to treat TMD as soon as it is noticed.

Signs you need to consult with Dr. Suh or one of our other dentists include:

Pain in the jaw
Facial pain
Headaches
Neck pain
Clicking or popping when moving the jaw
Swellings on the side of the face
Muscle spasms in the jaw
Jaw locks or movement is limited

Common Symptoms of TMD

1. Jaw Pain or Tenderness
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2. Clicking or Popping Sounds
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3. Limited Jaw Movement
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4. Headaches and Earaches
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5. Facial Pain
TMD can cause chronic facial pain. This is especially true in the area around the jaw. The discomfort can be felt on the cheeks or neck and shoulders, depending on how severe the condition is.
6. Difficulty Chewing
TMD can cause pain when you eat or if your bite doesn't feel right. Joint dysfunction can make chewing difficult.

Cause of TMD

A variety of factors can cause TMD. At Mount Laurel Dental & Implant Center, Dr. Suh evaluates each patient's TMD and determines the best treatment. Some of the most common causes are:

1. Injury or Trauma
Direct trauma to the face or jaw, such as an injury during sports or an accidental blow, can result in TMD. Dislocations or fractures may cause lasting TMJ damage, leading to chronic pain and functional limitations.
2. The Teeth Grinding and Clenching (Bruxism)
Bruxism occurs when you grind your teeth, or clench your mouth while asleep. This repetitive movement places excess stress on the TMJ. It can lead to muscle tension and joint problems.
3. Arthritis
Arthritis can cause cartilage to degrade in the TMJ. This can lead to pain, stiffness and reduced jaw mobility.
4. Misalignment in the Bite
The jaw can be strained when the upper and bottom teeth are not aligned properly. It is trying to compensate for this misalignment. This can lead to wear and tear of the TMJ over time.
5. Stress and Muscle Tension
Stress can increase muscle tension, which could contribute to TMD. Stress can cause people to clench or grind their teeth, putting strain on their TMJ.

Diagnosis of TMD

A qualified dentist such as Dr. Suh can diagnose if you have TMD. We use advanced diagnostic tools at Mount Laurel Dental & Implant Center to determine the condition of your jaw and the best treatment.

During the evaluation, Dr. Suh will:

Examine your medical and dental histories.
You can ask about the symptoms you are experiencing and when they started.
Examine your jaw to determine if it is tender, making clicking noises, or exhibiting restricted movement.
Imaging tests such as x-rays can be used to examine the joint and its surrounding structures.

After a diagnosis has been made, Dr. Suh will review your options for treatment and create a plan that is tailored to your needs.

At Mount Laurel Dental & Implant Center, we are experienced in diagnosing and treating TMD. Dr. Daniel Suh is a member of the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain (relating to the skull and face) so he can offer help to those patients with TMJ problems.

If you have suffered from any of these symptoms, please consult with us so we can examine you for any signs of TMD. If you’ve been trying to overcome headaches or neck, jaw or facial pain without result, examining your TMJ might enable us to give you the relief you seek.

Call today at (856) 778-0022 or schedule an appointment using

the Make an Appointment form on this site.

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