By Bill Costaras, DDS, FACE, FIADFE
 |
| Bill Costaras, DDS, FACE, FIADFE |
For most of us, temporomandibular is a word we can’t pronounce, let alone define. Temporomandibular is commonly referred to as TMJ. Although many dentists may be well versed in it and specialize in helping their patients by diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders, it is not a recognized dental specialty.
The temporomandibular joint is the joint of the jaw; we have one on each side working in unison. The most common disorder of the TMJ is disc displacement. Patients with TMJ disorder can develop and encounter a variety of issues related to their disorder. These issues can all affect the quality of your life if you are a patient suffering from TMJ disorder.
Signs and symptoms of a TMJ disorder are:
- Headaches
- Migraines
- Facial pain
- Jaw joint clicking or locking
- Ringing in ears
- Ear congestion
- Neck or back pain
- Dizziness
- Grinding teeth
- Bite issues
Once diagnosed, there are many options for treatment. Being diagnosed with TMJ is half the battle, as many don’t relate their discomfort as something they should speak with the dentist about. If you feel that you experience chronic pain in or around your jaw, have a complete evaluation. Thankfully, there are a variety of TMJ therapy options available to patients seeking help eliminating chronic pain from their daily lives.
If you are experiencing frequent headaches, back and neck pain, dull aching facial pain, or popping in your jaw, you are not alone. Approximately 35 million people in the United States suffer from TMJ problems. There are solutions to your pain.
If you’ve experienced pain in your facial muscles or neck or jaw pain, you may have TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder. The TMJ connects the jaw to the skull just below the ears. For people who have this condition, the jaw joints may be overstretched, causing pain and spasms or making clicking, grating, or other noises when moved. In addition to these TMJ symptoms, pain can even spread into the shoulders. TMJ disorder can be caused by trauma, like clenching of the jaw or grinding of the teeth, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. The degree of pain resulting from the disorder can vary from minor to severe; some patients experience pain every time they speak. Headaches and dizziness can also be caused by TMJ disorder.
Bill Costaras, DDS, FACE, FIADFE, of Maple Shade Dentistry in North Peoria has over 25 years of experience in dentistry. His comprehensive treatment of TMJ Disorder and full mouth restoration can take away pain and help you smile again.
For gentle dental and orthodontics care for the entire
family, call the Maple Shade Dental Group at 309-285-8376 or visit mapleshadecenter.com for more information.
Photo credit: wavebreakmedia/Thinkstock