TMD disorders are a family of problems related to your complex jaw joint. This group of conditions, often painful, can affect the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint or TMJ) and the muscles that control chewing. Although we do not know how many people actually have TMD, the disorders appear to affect about twice as many women as men.

















The good news is that for most people, pain in the area of the jaw joint or muscles is not a signal that a serious problem is developing. Generally, discomfort from TMD is occasional and temporary, and it usually occurs in cycles. The pain eventually resolves with little or no treatment. Only a small percentage of people develop significant, long-term symptoms.

A variety of symptoms may be linked to TMD. Pain, particularly in the chewing muscles and/or jaw joint, is the most common symptom. Other symptoms include:

Limited movement or locking of the jaw.
Radiating pain in the face, neck or shoulders.
Painful clicking, popping or grating sounds in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth.
A sudden, major change in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together.


Symptoms such as headaches, earaches, and hearing problems may sometimes be related to TMD. It is important to keep in mind, however, that occasional discomfort in the jaw joint or chewing muscles is quite common and generally not a cause for concern.

Treatment

The key words to keep in mind about TMD treatment are "conservative" and "reversible". Conservative treatments are simple as possible and are used most often because most patients do not have severe, degenerative TMD. Conservative treatments do not invade the tissues of the face, jaw, or joint. Reversible treatments do not cause permanent or irreversible changes in the structure or position of the jaw or teeth. Because most TMD problems are temporary and do not get worse, simple treatment is all that is usually needed to relieve discomfort.

Surgical treatments are often irreversible and should be avoided where possible. When such treatment is necessary, it will be thoroughly discussed and explained to you, as well as the risks involved and other types of treatment that may be available.

Once an evaluation confirms a diagnosis of TMD disorder, Drs. Koorbusch, Preisler, Shannon, Crago, Chahal and Afshar will determine the proper course of treatment. It is important to note that treatment always works best with a team approach of self-care as well as professional care.