Do you suffer from chronic headaches? Do you have a problem chewing your food? Have you ever experienced the locking of your jaws when you opened your mouth wide? If you’ve answered yes to all of these questions, then you just might have temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ or TMD. This disorder involves the temporomandibular joint which helps control the movement of your jaws. If you believe that you suffer from TMJ disorder or TMD, then a visit to Dr. Clifford C. Compton III of Concord Dental Services will allow you to know for sure if you have the condition. Dr. Compton and his South Concord, NC team specializes in TMD.
What is the temporomandibular joint?
This joint is what connects your lower jaw, which is movable, to the rest of your skull, which stays fixed and unmoved. Because of its situation, this joint is constantly moving when you open and close your mouth. However, when the joint is irritated or undergoes inflammation, pain precipitates whenever you close or open your mouth.
What are the causes of TMJ disorder (TMD)?
The distinct causes of TMJ Disorder, or TMD, are still unknown. However, there are three typical problems behind this condition. The first is when the disk moves out of the socket where the joint is located and the alignment is ruined. The second is when a person suffers from arthritis is the TMJ is affected. Lastly, an accident affecting the TMJ can also cause chronic jaw pain in the form of TMD to develop. Regardless of these three common causes of TMD, there are other possible causes and ways to explain why you may have TMD.
What are the symptoms of TMJ disorder (TMD)?
The universal sign of TMJ disorder or TMD is pain around or radiating from the jaw joint area. The pain can even go all the way to your ears and give an impression that you are suffering from a headache. Other individuals also report pain when chewing as well as other forms of facial pain. Finally, your jaws may lock when you open your mouth widely such as when you are yawning. If not, you may hear clicking sounds whenever you open or close your mouth. Not all individuals need to receive treatment for TMJ disorder or TMD but if you notice that the tenderness and pain have become chronic, then it might be time to contact Dr. Compton and his Concord Dental Services staff.
What are the treatments for TMJ disorder (TMD)?
Because the reason for the development of pain is that your jaw muscles become overworked, this means that you need to ensure that your jaw muscles are relaxed when you go to bed. Dr. Compton can help you get custom-made acrylic night splints in order to immobilize your jaws while you are sleeping. Because of the fact that majority of Dr. Compton’s team have experienced TMD, they can best understand what you are going on with regards to your aching jaws and temporomandibular joint disorder.
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