Local Dental Care - Taking Control Of Tmj Libertyville, IL

What Is TMJ?

Jaw pain and jaw problems are the hallmarks of TMJ disorder. But first, it's important to understand the difference between two abbreviations: TMJ and TMD.

The temporomandibular joint (jaw joint) is abbreviated TMJ. Everyone has two TMJs, one on the left and one on the right, that hold the jaw (mandible) in place. The TMJ itself is a normal part of every healthy body.

On the other hand, TMD is not normal. TMD stands for temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ disorder or dysfunction). The cause of TMJ dysfunction is not always clear. However, certain factors are associated with increased TMJ symptoms, including:

• Teeth grinding or jaw clenching, especially at night (a condition known as bruxism)
• Jaw dislocation or another jaw injury
• Arthritis or other joint problems
• Stress

These are among the most common symptoms of TMJ:

• Popping jaw or clicking jaw
• Sore jaw
• TMJ headache (a TMJ headache feels very different from TMJ jaw pain)

TMJ dentists and other TMJ specialists can offer a range of treatments for TMJ.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

TMJ Dentist Can Help End Your Headache, Neck and Jaw Pain!

TMJ dysfunction is a living nightmare for an estimated 50 million Americans who suffer from this distress. And the fact that many dentists and physicians fail to diagnose this disorder means that people are suffering needlessly and spending money on office visits and drugs that give them no relief. But there is hope when TMJ is diagnosed correctly.

Symptoms include head, neck, and back aches. You may also have earaches, bouts of deafness, or ringing in your ears. You may hear clicking and popping when you chew. Some patients experience dizziness, chronic fatigue, and difficulty swallowing. And it usually starts with jaw misalignment.

When there's an imbalance in the jaws, the muscles in the neck and shoulders try to compensate, causing pains and headaches that can't be relieved until the jaws are realigned.

How do dentists realign the jaws? With a special dental splint and by repositioning the teeth using grinding procedures to produce a better fit between the upper and lower teeth. In a small number of instances, surgery may be required.

If you or someone you love suffer from the symptoms of TMJ dysfunction, call your dentist's office and set up a consultation. It may end years of suffering and pain.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.