TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint, which is the jaw joint. These are the two joints that connect to the skull and can cause mild to severe pain when displaced. TMD stands for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, which involves problems with the jaw joints and the muscles of the head, neck and face.
Like other joints in your body, the TMJ is susceptible to injury from trauma, arthritis and skeletal misalignment. TMJ can be aggravated by stress, posture and bruxism (teeth grinding). A malfunction of the TMJ prevents the complex system of nerves, muscles and joints from working harmoniously. TMJ disorder is an orthopedic problem that is typically covered by medical insurance. Treatment is provided by a TMJ dentist in conjunction with your primary dentist and your primary care doctor.
Symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Jaw joint noises
- Ear aches
- Neck pain
- Jaw fatigue
- Tooth pain
- Facial pain
- Clenching/grinding
- Dizziness
- Pain with eating
- Bite feeling off
- Limited jaw motion
- Burning/tingling/or numbness of the face