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Do you suffer from chronic morning headaches or a jaw that consistently pops, clicks, or locks? If so, it is possible that your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is misaligned. Many individuals are unaware that they suffer from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). The symptoms are elusive and seemingly unrelated. Below are common questions about TMD to help potential victims realize the source of their chronic pain and seek appropriate treatment. What is temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD)? Temporomandibular joint disorder, which is also referred to as TMD, occurs when the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is misaligned. This ball-and-socket joint directly affects even the most minute jaw movements, which can result in great pain and suffering during routine activities. Do I have temporomandibular joint disorder? Symptoms of TMD are difficult for an individual to recognize and connect as related to each other. If you suffer from one or more of the following symptoms, it is possible that your temporomandibular joint is misaligned: • Localized pain or swelling in front of your ears
• Limitation of mouth opening and jaw movement
• Constantly stuffed ears or earaches
• Frequent ear ringing
• Painful and loose teeth
• Insomnia
• Chronic morning headaches
• Regular jaw clicking, locking, or popping How is TMD caused? A temporomandibular joint may become misaligned from numerous factors, including: • Poor dental work
• Trauma due to engagement in a heavy contact sport or whiplash following a car accident
• Concussion
• Genetics (Arthritis, Dejenerative Joint Disease)
• Poor posture
• Frequent gum chewing
• Clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth How is temporomandibular joint disorder diagnosed? The first step in diagnosing temporomandibular joint disorder is informing your dentist or another oral health professional about your symptoms. Many patients fail to take this necessary step and engage in a stressful cycle of seeking a non-oral health specialists’ help, being medicated for the wrong disorder, and enduring chronic pain. If your dentist believes a misaligned temporomandibular joint may be the source of your trouble, he will evaluate your bite through moldings and x-rays. The combination of these two methods will give an accurate display of your jaw-bite interactions and determine if your temporomandibular joint is displaced. What is a TENS Unit? Some physicians use a TENS Unit (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) to alleviate pain associated with TMD. A TENS Unit delivers a steady, gentle current of electrodes, which relax jaw muscles and relieve some pain. However, this is not a permanent solution. How is TMD treated? Each physician treats temporomandibular joint disorder differently. Some will attempt to minimize your pain by employing orthodontics, a TENS Unit to relax your jaw, and at-home solutions, which may include: • Dietary adjustments
• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Limiting jaw movement
• Splint application However, these solutions fail to address the heart of the problem. The only solution to completely eliminate pain associated with a displaced temporomandibular joint is oral surgery, which may include: • Arthroscopy
• Bite adjustment through corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery)
• Open joint repair/restructuring If you live in the Washington, D.C. or northern Virginia area and believe you are suffering from TMD, please contact NOVA SurgiCare, PC today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hamrah.
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