Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction TMD
 

Craniomandibular Dysfunction is a term that describes the collection of symptoms that results when the chewing muscles and jaw joints do not work together correctly. Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD) is a term commonly used to describe the same group of symptoms. “TMJ” stands for the temporomandibular joints that are the two joints that connect your jaw to your skull. When these joints are out of place, the resulting derangement causes muscle stress and pain, affecting many parts of the body.

Patients referred to my office have expressed their frustration with many years of suffering from unresolved craniofacial pain. Although the acute symptoms were treated well with medication, the cause of their pain may not have been addressed. The acute symptoms returned and the subsequent years of chronic pain caused stress, fatigue and adversely affected their quality of life. Many of these patients suffer from an undiagnosed craniomandibular dysfunction and joint derangement.

Understanding the relationship of the moveable jaw to the fixed skull is the critical diagnostic concept. It requires the knowledge of anatomy, form and function of the temporomandibular joints. As the closure of a door into its frame is dependent upon the stability of the hinge, so is the closure of the jaw dependent upon the stability of the joints. Stability can only be achieved when the oral/facial muscles are at rest and a harmonious relationship exists between the teeth and the joints. After we have stabilized and balanced the teeth, joints and jaw for a chronic pain patient, they are extremely relieved to realize they do not have to live with “the pain” any longer.

Because the symptoms of a craniomandibular dysfunction masquerade as so many other conditions, patients travel from doctor to doctor in search of relief. It is estimated that as many as 44 million Americans suffer from one or more of these symptoms. However, many patients never think to seek the special training of a qualified TMD/TMJ dentist to evaluate the complex system of bones, joints and muscles.

Do you believe you have tried everything and still haven’t found the answer?
Learn what we already know about your pain. Please contact our office at (201) 945-1094 – we can help.