Posted: September 15, 2023
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), also known as TMD, is a condition caused by jaw misalignment that can lead to painful symptoms.
Unfortunately, TMJ is often misdiagnosed, leaving many people unaware of the actual cause of their chronic headaches, neck pain, and jaw discomfort.
As a specialist in neuromuscular dentistry, Dr. John Schmid with Cosmetic Dentistry Austin understands the intricacies of this condition and offers comprehensive consultations to accurately diagnose and treat TMJ symptoms.
What Is TMJ?
TMJ occurs when the jaw is misaligned, leading to the compression of facial nerves, particularly the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for transmitting sensation to the sinuses, eyes, and jaw.
This nerve is also associated with chewing muscles, which can lead to lockjaw. TMJ often goes undetected because its symptoms, including chronic headaches and ear pain, aren’t directly linked to jaw misalignment.
As a result, many individuals suffer from TMJ without realizing that a dentist is best suited to diagnosing it.
What Are The Symptoms of TMJ?
TMJ presents a diverse range of symptoms, some of which are not just related to the jaw. Common indicators include chronic headaches, ear pain, sinus pressure, eye discomfort, and generalized facial pain. Other TMJ symptoms directly related to the jaw may include clicking or popping noises during jaw movements, pain or swelling around the jaw joint, and lockjaw. If you experience a combination of these symptoms, consulting an experienced neuromuscular dentist like Dr. Schmid is essential for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
What Causes TMJ?
TMJ can arise in a few ways. It could start from jaw muscle problems, issues with the jaw joint, or facial nerve complications.
Other potential causes include jaw injuries, chronic teeth grinding (bruxism), displacement of the cushioning disc between the jaw joint's ball and socket, stress, arthritis, and jaw misalignment due to dental problems like missing or worn-down teeth.
Dental issues can sometimes result in an imbalanced bite and also lead to TMJ. Identifying the cause is crucial for effective treatment.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you experience unexplained chronic pain in your head, jaw, neck, or shoulders, you may be suffering from TMJ. Dr. John Schmid, a skilled neuromuscular dentist, offers specialized TMJ consultations using modern diagnostic tools.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Schmid at 512-329-5967 today. He serves patients in Austin, Bee Cave, Lakeway, and nearby areas in Texas.
