What is TMJ?

Are you experiencing jaw pain or discomfort? Do you frequently hear clicking or popping when opening and closing your jaw? Do you often catch yourself grinding or clenching your teeth? If so, you may be one of the millions of Americans suffering from Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, or TMD. At Lorton-Springfield Dental Implants & Oral Surgery, we specialize in helping individuals alleviate symptoms caused by this condition.

What is TMJ Disorder?

The ability to bite, chew, speak, and even breathe all depend on the functionality of your jaw joint, also known as the temporomandibular joint. This hinge marks the connection point between the jaw, known as the mandible, to the skull at the temporal bone. Unlike other joints in the body, the rounded edges of the mandible glide rather than rotate in their socket on the temporal bones, thereby allowing a range of functions.

When this unique hinge fails to work properly, individuals may experience significant discomfort during basic tasks. This pain may be an indicator that the joint or surrounding muscles are not functioning properly, suggesting the development of a temporomandibular joint disorder, also known as TMD.

What are the Causes of TMD?

While there are is no one cause of temporomandibular joint disorder, studies have indicated that there is a higher rate of prevalence among women between the ages of 20-40. Additionally, there are certain risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing the condition, including:

• Autoimmune diseases or underlying infections
• Trauma to the jaw 
• Hormonal or genetic predisposition

Given how the symptoms are manifested, there is also some suggestion that poor bite alignment may have influence on the development of TMD.

TMD Symptoms

As TMD can include a broad spectrum of jaw-related conditions, there are a number of symptoms that may be indicators of a jaw problem. These symptoms can include:

• Pain in the jaw muscles, neck, and shoulders
• Chronic headaches, migraines, or dizziness
• Limited jaw movement, frequent stiffness, or locking of the jaw
• Ear pressure, pain, or ringing
• Difficulty chewing or biting
• Painful clicking, popping, or grating when opening or closing the jaw.

 Learn More Today!

While TMD can be a painful condition, advances in dentistry have made strides in creating effective solutions for alleviating the discomfort caused by a faulty jaw joint. At Lorton-Springfield Dental Implants & Oral Surgery, our team is committed to helping patients identify the best solution for their TMD-related issues. For more information about dental care to treat TMJ dysfunction, contact our Lorton or Springfield practices today.