Why Is It So Hard To Get A Proper TMD Diagnosis?
Frequently Asked Questions
TMD FAQs – Dr. Sep & Dr. Rondeau/TMJ Treatment
What is the temporomandibular joint and what does it do?
The temporomandibular joint is the clinical name for the jaw joint. You have one on both sides to attach your lower jaw to the temporal bone of your skull, the upper jaw, allowing you to open and close your mouth.
What are the symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD)?
Symptoms vary from person to person. The most common are:
- Headaches
- Neck pain
- Pain in the jaw joint
- Ear pain
- Ringing in the ears
- Limited lower jaw movement
- Clicking noises when opening and closing your mouth
- Numbness in the hands or fingers
- Nighttime jaw clenching and teeth grinding
- Sore teeth and headaches in the morning
If you are living with any of these unpleasant symptoms, please call our office to schedule a consultation.
What causes TMD?
It may not always be possible to pinpoint the exact cause of TMD. However, some known causes include:
- Misaligned bite or lower jaw
- Narrow upper arch
- Trauma to the face or jaw
- Whiplash injury
- Intubation in the hospital
- Extraction of wisdom teeth
What is the treatment for TMJ problems?
98% of the TMD cases we treat do not require surgery. We prefer non-invasive, drug-free treatment whenever possible.
* If your jaw clicks when you open and close your mouth, you will need to wear a lower appliance to stabilize your jaw.
- If you clench and grind your teeth at night and frequently wake up with a headache or sore teeth and jaw, you will likely need a specially designed nightguard for your upper teeth.
What are the long-term effects of TMD?
There are 5 stages of TMD progression. Clicking jaw is Stage 2, for example. If not corrected, it will eventually progress to Stage 3 and so on. The further on your TMD progresses, the more painful and serious the symptoms are. People in the advanced stages of TMD have trouble opening their mouths to eat.
If your TMD involves grinding your teeth at night, your teeth can be sore in the morning, and you may also experience headaches. Continued clenching and grinding could cause your teeth to wear down and, in many cases, crack and chip. Some patients will also experience tooth loss.
Should I get treatment for TMJ pain?
If jaw pain, headaches, ringing in the ears and other symptoms of TMJ are causing problems in your daily life, you should contact Dr. Rondeau and Dr. Sep as soon as possible. Their proven diagnostic and treatment process has helped countless patients like you live pain free without surgery or drugs.
How do you diagnose TMJ problems?
We start by learning about your dental and medical history and all your symptoms through questionnaires and a one-on-one consultation. Then, we take X-rays of your TM joints. We will also do a joint vibration analysis, which is a non-invasive test to record the sounds and vibrations in each TM joint. Next, we will look at the range of motion in your jaw and examine your facial and neck muscles. All the information we gather helps us determine the severity of your condition.
