Serving patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville, TN
Temporomandibular joint disorder occurs when your jaw and bite are misaligned, and it begins to affect your body and health negatively. This disorder is often referred to as having TMJ or TMD. In fact, there are many other names used to refer to this disorder since the symptoms and effects are so far reaching throughout the entire body. However, here are some of the most common symptoms associated with TMJ disorder. If you experience any combination of the following symptoms, please schedule a consultation with one of the Greeneville neuromuscular dentists on staff at Tusculum Dental Care.
Common symptoms of TMJ disorder include, but are not limited to:
- Jaw pain
- Facial pain
- Bruxism (grinding or clenching teeth)
- Tooth wear or pain (from bruxism)
- Pressure or pain felt behind or around the eyes
- Tension of muscles in face
- Ringing or tinnitus in ears
- Tension or pain in neck
- Headaches/migraines
- Tingling or numbness in arms or fingers
- Poor posture
- Referred pain in arms or legs
- And more!
As you can see, symptoms of TMJ disorder can be felt in various parts of the body, not just the mouth. As a result, it is no wonder that many doctors overlook this disorder and end up treating only the symptoms. This results in masking the symptoms for a period of time, only for them to return again and again.
Getting to the cause of the symptoms is the approach of a neuromuscular dentist. Since this list is not meant to encompass all possible symptoms of TMD, it is vital that you discuss with your dentist any chronic pain that you experience as it could be associated with a jaw joint disorder.
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain associated with TMJ disorder can be and often is felt throughout the body. It is common for chronic pain to interfere with your life, affecting not only you but your loved ones as well. Many physicians may treat chronic pain with medications, never fully getting to the source of the problem. If you have been unable to find relief from your chronic pain, you could have TMJ disorder that is not being treated at the source.
Migraine sufferers, those with fibromyalgia or individuals with other disorders may result in chronic pain that is sometimes related to untreated TMJ. Since TMJ can cause widespread pain throughout the body, it can be difficult for a physician to pinpoint the problem. This is why seeing a neuromuscular dentist is best if you are dealing with chronic pain of any kind. You do not have to suffer in silence any longer. Get your life back now by seeking a consultation with the neuromuscular dentists at Tusculum Dental Care.
How can TMD cause widespread pain throughout the body?
The reason for this is because of the trigeminal nerve, which carries more sensory information to the brain than any other neural pathway in the body. This nerve runs from the spinal cord through the jaw joints, and into the lower jaw. When the jaw joint becomes irritated or inflamed due to TMJ, this nerve is affected. Since this nerve connects to the spinal cord, it can send what is known as referred pain into the head (causing headaches), down the neck, back, and even into the arms and legs.
Our bodies are designed naturally to work together in harmony. If even one seemingly insignificant aspect is thrown out of balance such as the jaw, it often causes a chain reaction throughout other areas of the body.
Finding Relief
Finding relief for your TMJ disorder may be easier than you think. We first determine the severity of your disorder by using special computerized equipment, along with digital X-rays, and an examination. We take an individualized approach when treating TMJ disorders, which means the treatment for each case may vary. Some patients may have a misaligned bite due to missing teeth or severely damaged teeth. If this is the case, restorations to repair the damaged teeth may be necessary to help stabilize their bite. Many of our patients who suffer from TMJ find relief by wearing a custom-designed oral appliance. In fact, some patients report immediate relief, as soon as we place the oral appliance in their mouth.
TMJ Relief in Greeneville
If you suffer from any of the symptoms associated with TMJ disorder, seek the consultation of the neuromuscular dentists at Tusculum Dental Care.
By using our state-of-the-art technology, paired with our experience and training, our dentists can find harmony in your bite and jaw alignment, which will relieve your symptoms of TMJ disorder; not just one symptom—but all of them.
To learn more about treatment for temporomandibular joint disorder, contact our office by calling (423) 639-7575 to schedule a consultation.
Tusculum Dental Care welcomes patients in the areas of Greeneville, Jonesborough, and Erwin, Tennessee.