When it comes to chronic pain, one of the most common problems you can face is Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD), which was formerly known as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ). TMD is a condition that can be tricky to diagnose because it frequently mimics other conditions. This is why many healthcare professionals refer to it as “the great imposter.” However, regardless of what it is called, the pain it causes is real and can become quite severe — especially if left undiagnosed and untreated.
To grasp the condition fully, you must first understand the TMD pain cycle. It can start with any traumatic, psychological, metabolic, or mechanical stimulant that causes spasm in the muscles that move the jaw joints (opening, closing, chewing, and even smiling.) This is because of the constricted blood supply to the muscles resulting in less oxygen along with the accumulation of waste products. This is followed by chemical changes in the muscles and a buildup of lactic acid due to muscle fatigue. Abnormal or involuntary muscle contractions or spasms lead to pain signals to the brain that can stop muscle movement. Depending on the severity, this cycle can repeat itself resulting in acute pain that may be extremely severe at times. The pain may then seem to disappear only to resurface again later. The good news is that our office has highly trained professionals who cannot only diagnose but also treat your TMD.
If you suffer from chronic jaw pain and feel that you might have TMD, please let us know so that we can address your concerns and conduct a thorough history and examination. Or if you are in constant or severe pain, contact us immediately to schedule an appointment. You can learn more about the signs, symptoms, and treatment options for TMD by reading the article “TMD — Understanding The Great Imposter.”
Comments:
Dentist - Bordentown
806 Farnsworth Ave.
Bordentown, NJ 08505
609-298-8309
lyonsdentistry@verizon.net
Patient Education
Archive:
- 2013
- 2012
- August (8)
- Ways You Can Minimize Tooth Sensitivity
- Full Dentures: Frequently Asked Questions
- What Scientific Studies Reveal About Smile Makeovers
- Changing Your Smile — What You Need To Know
- Porcelain Veneers
- Common Questions About Whitening Your Teeth
- How Does Tooth Bleaching Work?
- You Think You Have Sleep Apnea. What Now?
- 2011
Tags
- oral hygiene (11)
- pregnancy (1)
- periodontal (gum) disease (4)
- oral health (33)
- common symptoms (9)
- brushing (1)
- tmd (2)
- tmj (2)
- wisdom teeth (3)
- dental hygienist (2)
- dental hygiene (3)
- dental implant (1)
- missing tooth (1)
- replacing teeth (1)
- diabetes (2)
- teeth whitening (4)
- celebrity smiles (4)
- nightguard (1)
- grinding teeth (1)
- orthodontics (4)
- braces (1)
- clear aligners (1)
- oral cancer (1)
- nutrition (2)
- dental emergencies (1)
- sports dentistry (3)
- dental injuries (3)
- oral sedation (1)
- sedation dentistry (1)
- dental anxiety (1)
- tooth decay (2)
- dental implants (6)
- crowns (2)
- periodontal disease (3)
- gum disease (3)
- diabetic (1)
- medication (1)
- aspirin (1)
- tooth wear (1)
- grinding (1)
- gum recession (1)
- tooth decay quiz (1)
- bad breath (2)
- bleeding gums (2)
- sinus pain (1)
- chipped tooth (1)
- cosmetic dentistry (14)
- root canal (2)
- toothache (1)
- tooth pain (1)
- snoring and sleep apnea (2)
- smile makeover (9)
- veneers (4)
- denture (2)
- sensitive teeth (2)
- teeth grinding (1)
- night guards (1)
- wedding day smiles (2)
- clear orthodontic aligners (3)
- invisalign (3)
- sugar (1)
- dry mouth (1)
- bridgework (1)
- sleep apnea (1)
- snoring (1)
- pediatric dentistry (2)
- mouthguards (1)
- baby teeth (1)
- oral piercings (1)
- dentures (1)
- loose dentures (1)
- overdenture (1)
- wedding day smile (1)
Categories:
