What is TMJ Disorder?
 TMJ is an acronym for temporomandibular joint (jaw joint).
Clinically, it is referred to as TMD (disorder), but many
patients simply call it "TMJ". It often presents
itself as a popping sound and sensation near the jaw joint.
People under 40 are more susceptible and it occurs more frequently
in women.
Symptons:
- Headaches
- Ear aches or ringing in the ears
- Pain or soreness in and around the jaw joint
- Dizziness
- Facial pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Limited movement or locking of the jaw
- Clicking or grating sounds in the jaw joints
- Pain behind the eyes
- Neck or shoulder pain
- Unexplained loosening of the teeth
Left untreated, TMJ symptoms increase in number and severity
as you get older.
Testing for TMJ Disorder
Doppler auscultation is a valuable adjunct to clinical and
radiographic assessment of TMJ disorders in our office. Listening
carefully to the joint sounds provided by the DOPPLER yields
highly reliable information about the status of the condyle-disc
assembly (jaw joint).
In order to determine the best course of treatment, accurate
diagnosis is imperative. Many times, all that is needed is
a simple adjustment to your bite (the way your teeth come
together), or a small mouthpiece (occlusal splint guard) that
also corrects the way your teeth come together.
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