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TMD / TMJ OverviewHerndon Neuromuscular DentistTMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which is the jaw joint in our temples. In practice, however, TMJ is used to refer to temporomandibular joint syndrome, which is the same thing as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). So both TMJ and TMD are used to refer to a misaligned bite and its painful symptoms, which is what the disorder or syndrome is. According to the American Academy of Orofacial Pain (AAOP), TMD is the preferred term. The temporo-mandibular joint connects the lower jaw with the skull and has more variety of movement than any other joint in the body, because it can slide sideways and forwards as well as up and down. Most of that movement is controlled by the shape of the bones, and the workings of muscles and ligaments attached to them. But the closing movement is controlled by how the teeth come together, which is our bite, also known as dental occlusion. In a person with TMJ, the bite is usually misaligned, known as malocclusion. Causes of TMJ
Another cause is a misaligned bite, which can be addressed by a dentist trained in TMJ testing and treatment. Misaligned biteA healthy normal bite occurs when the teeth come together without causing any strain in the jaw joint, and without rubbing or wearing each other down. If some teeth are poorly aligned in the jawbone, and we repeatedly chew, swallow and talk day after day, year after year, the strain increases, affecting the muscles and their ligaments in the facial area. The jaw muscles try to achieve a correct meeting of the teeth and repeatedly fail, which builds up the tension. The long-standing strain causes inflammation in the joint area. There are large nerves running through the temple area, across the face and head, and down the neck to the shoulders and arms. When these become inflamed, a great deal of pain will be felt. There’s no official definition of TMD. But it has been increasingly studied in recent years and much agreement has emerged as to how to approach it. TMJ symptoms Dr. Katz is a highly experienced neuromuscular dentist in Herndon, VA who can help you find a solution to TMD. For complete information, please schedule a Free Smile Evaluation. He’ll listen to your concerns and answer all your questions. 703.478.9574 |
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COSMETIC PROCEDURES
RESTORATIVE PROCEDURES
TMJ TREATMENTS
TMJ can creep up on us if we do a lot of teeth grinding, gum-chewing, or gnawing at pencils, fingernails, lips etc. It can also be caused by a blow to the face or head such as you might sustain in an auto or sports accident.