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Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is one of the most common chronic pain complaints among Americans, affecting approximately 5 to 12 percent of the population. Women are twice as likely to develop TMD as men are. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most complex joints in the body and is therefore subject to a variety of physical problems and disorders. Because of the complex nature of this joint and the many possible causes of TMD, a qualified neuromuscular dentist should be consulted for diagnoses and treatment. Structure of the TMJ The temporomandibular joint is a meeting point for muscles, vessels, and nerves that sits in close proximity to your ear canal. Not only does the joint move like a typical hinge joint, it can also glide from front to back as well as sideways. The TMJ is the only joint that has to work in tandem with its opposite side. Any disruption of this movement can lead to painful disorders, some of which require medical attention. Trauma The most common type of disruption that occurs is trauma to the jaw. Even after surgery and healing, the jaw joint may be out of alignment, putting stress on one or both sides of the mandible. TMD caused by trauma is typically more readily identifiable than other causes of TMD. Malocclusion One of the most common causes of TMD is malocclusion, which is a problem with the way your jaw closes when you bite. Malocclusion itself has numerous underlying causes, including: • Missing teeth
• Bruxism, or unconscious tooth grinding
• Crooked teeth The job of the neuromuscular dentist is to diagnose and treat the underlying issues causing malocclusion. By bringing the jaw back into its normal alignment and relieving the underlying misalignment, most symptoms will disappear. Disease Processes Arthritis and other degenerative disease processes also contribute to TMD. Many of the signs and symptoms of TMD may also point to other, more severe maladies that need immediate attention. Some of the signs and symptoms include: • Pain in the TMJ
• Jaw Locking
• Clicking, grinding, or other noises
• Tinnitus Treatment of TMD Once the underlying cause is determined, it can be treated. Neuromuscular dentistry is a dental specialty requiring several years of additional training. In most cases, neuromuscular dentists can treat the cause of your TMD using one or more of the following options: • Orthodontia
• Tooth repair or replacement
• TENS therapy
• Customized mouth guard
• Surgery, when necessary TMD is a serious and painful condition for many people. If you suffer from any of the signs or symptoms of TMD, it is important to take appropriate actions to alleviate the condition. To find out more about TMD, please visit the website of St. Louis, Missouri neuromuscular dentist Dr. Charles Janes today to schedule an initial consultation.
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