TMD is a group of conditions characterized by inflammation or dysfunction of the temporomandibular joints. The TMJ is made up of two joints located in the head, where the lower jaw bone meets the skull. One or both of these joints can become stiff, making it difficult to open and close the mouth. It can also cause pain in your jaw muscles and headaches.
The exact cause of TMJD is unknown, but some causes that have been suggested include:
There are several symptoms of TMD disorder, and they include;
Because there are so many different symptoms and causes, it can be hard to diagnose someone with TMD. But one way to determine if you have it is by looking at their pain patterns. A person with chronic pain who also experiences limited mouth opening may be suffering from TMD. It is also advisable to visit a dentist near you for an accurate diagnosis.
TMD can affect or disrupt your life in different ways:
The TMJ pain can at times be severe affecting a good night’s rest as it makes it hard to sleep. Numerous studies have found that lack of sleep can negatively impact your health and life – in particular, it greatly affects your ability to stay productive at work or school. Sleep deprivation can also affect your memory & focus. It’s important to get the hours of sleep you need every night for you to maintain good health, quality of life, and success.
TMD can make eating and chewing difficult. This is because of the repetitive jaw movement, which can worsen TMJ symptoms. It affects what and how much you eat and can lead to unintentional weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, and a slew of health problems.
You can prevent these complications by seeking TMD treatment near you.
There are different treatments for TMD, and they vary depending on what caused it and how extensive it is. A doctor will need to diagnose what your condition is before they can prescribe you a treatment. Some of the TMD treatments in Stone Oak, TX may include:
Our dentist in Stone Oak can recommend surgery but only in severe cases and if the other treatments have failed to relieve jaw discomfort.
Visit Hardy Oak Family Dentistry for more information about TMD and how you can relieve the pain.