The Facts About Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

 Do you have pain or discomfort in your jaw? It can be related to Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (or TMJ disorder). Based on a recent study, almost 11-12 million adults suffered from pain in the temporomandibular joints. It becomes essential to know more about this if you think you also have this issue. So, this article discusses various facts and options for TMJ disorder treatment in Virginia Beach.

These cases are found more in women than men (the ratio is 9 women to every 1 man). Also, it is generally more in the age group of 20 to 40. To avoid its permanent impact, you must consult an experienced dentist for the best TMJ disorder treatment options at reputed dentistry in Virginia Beach. However, before that, it is important that they carry out the proper diagnostics through a complete dental checkup.

The Temporomandibular Joint

The temporomandibular is the part that connects your jawbone and the skull. It is like a sliding movable hinge near both ears. Basically, it is the joints for both jaws that help you to move them up, down, or both sides. You can open or close the mouth, eat, yawn, talk, etc with the help of these. 

How do you know you have TMJ disorder?

The temporomandibular disorder is when you start having pain or discomfort in this jaw joint and/or the jaw movement controlling muscles. It is also called TMJ disorder or TMD. 


The pain can be severe or some might feel just a little discomfort. This varies from person to person. Resultantly, you may face difficulties in those daily normal activities.


The symptoms of the TMJ disorder include pain or tenderness in the temporomandibular joints, chewing muscles, jaws, face, around your ear, or neck.


You may face difficulty due to the stiffness in the jaw, joint locks, and opening or closing of the month. You may get headaches or swelling. Also, the upper and lower teeth might fit together differently. 


If you open or close your mouth, you may get the clicking or grating with pain. It may also cause hearing loss, ringing sounds in the ears, and even dizziness.


If the severity increases or to avoid the increasing difficulties, you must consult the doctor.


After a complete physical examination and various tests, professional dentistry will find out if your pain or soreness is due to the TMD. For this, the MRI, X-rays, or CT scan may be done. Also, they may check for any infection with the testing of the joint fluid.

Why do you get the TMD?

To make the sliding movement with the temporomandibular joint easy and smooth, they are covered with cartilage. Also, there is a shock-absorbing disk for separation.


The causes of the TMJ disorders are generally not very clear. But, it can happen due to any issue with this disk or cartilage. The disk may be misaligned or eroded. And, the cartilage may be affected due to arthritis, blow, etc. 


Keeping the tense facial muscles due to stress or anxiety, jaw injury, genetics, connective tissue diseases, missing teeth, etc can also cause TMD. The habit of grinding or clenching the teeth is another common reason.

The professional TMJ disorder treatment in Virginia Beach with Dr. King’s Family Dentistry

Generally, the TMD may be temporary and can be treated with self-care and without surgery with other types of treatments. These may include jaw exercises, pain medicines, or warm compresses. However, if they are ineffective and the situation persists then you will need to go for the surgery.


Dr. King’s Family Dentistry is an experienced dental practitioner in Virginia Beach. Consulting the professional dental health care provider can give you the right advice on further TMJ disorder treatment. To schedule a consultation, call at (757) 464-6228 or visit our website  - https://www.implantkingdds.com/

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