If you’re suffering from jaw pain, you may be exploring TMJ/TMD. Though these two acronyms are often used synonymously, they are actually quite different.
At Living Oaks Dental, we pride ourselves on keeping our patients informed about oral health conditions. If you suspect that you may have TMD, here are a few things to keep in mind about the issue:
TMJ & TMD Refer to Two Different Things
Let’s begin by clearing up a common misconception: TMJ and TMD are not the same things. TMJ stands for “temporomandibular joint.” This is the small, delicate joint that connects your jaw to your skull.
In contrast, TMD stands for “temporomandibular joint disorder.” This refers to a number of different issues that can cause issues with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). TMJ refers to the joint itself, while TMD refers to the various conditions and issues that can affect the functionality of the TMJ.
Understanding TMJ – The Temporomandibular Joint
The TMJ is a very small and delicate joint, which is located just next to each of your ears. It connects your jaw to your skull and allows you to open your mouth, chew, and speak. Because it’s so small and delicate, this joint is prone to becoming damaged, inflamed or irritated. When this happens, it will stop operating smoothly. You may have issues chewing, speaking or opening your mouth, and suffer from pain and discomfort.
Understanding TMD – Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
TMD is the term used to refer to the various disorders that can affect the TMJ. The TMJ can be damaged by an injury, or due to overuse (such as excessive gum chewing or nightly teeth grinding), infection, inflammation, or even deterioration due to an autoimmune disease like arthritis.
TMD is usually characterized by symptoms like pain in the jaw and face, locking or clicking of the jaw when moving it, tenderness of the jaw muscles, muscle spasms, and difficulty chewing.
Need Help With TMD? Living Oaks Dental Is Here To Help!
If you’re experiencing a TMJ disorder, and you need help to treat your pain and jaw dysfunction and restore your bite, Dr. Gene Brabston is here to help. As an experienced dentist, Dr. Brabston can help you diagnose the cause of your TMD, and get the care you need. Contact us now at (251) 928-1645, or stop by our office in Fairhope at 506 N Section St, Fairhope, AL 36532to get started.
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