What is TMD?
TMD, or temporomandibular disorders, are a group of conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the muscles involved in chewing. The TMJ is the point at which the jawbone and the skull come together, which is slightly in front the ear canals. The TMJ, along with the teeth and muscles that move the lower jaw, make up the masticatory or chewing system. Imbalances or abrupt changes in any one of these components of the system can adversely affect the other components, and result in facial pain.
Temporomandibular disorder is a term used to describe problems and symptoms associated with disorders and problems with the temporomandibular disc. This disc is the piece of tissue between your skull and jawbone or mandible. It supports and maintains movement of the lower jaw during mastication or chewing. TMD can range from a simple pop or click to pain on opening and even limited opening causing malnutrition and severe headaches and discomfort. There are non-surgical and surgical approaches to treating TMD. Usually it is recommended to exhaust the non-surgical approaches before proceeding with the surgical ones. Call us and set up a consultation where questions can be answered about your individual circumstances.
