What is TMJ/TMD

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a connecting joint from your jawbone to your skull on each side of your jaw. Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a type of TMJ disorder that can cause pain and discomfort in your jaw joints and the muscles that control your jaw movements. There is no exact cause or determination of how TMJ disorder develops. The pain you may experience can be due to a combination of factors such as a jaw injury, arthritis, or genetics. Depending on your TMJ disorders’ severity, it can be temporary and can be relieved with self-managed care. Surgeries will be the final option of self-managed care, and other non-surgical treatments do not resolve the problem.

Symptoms may include:

• Pain or tenderness in the jaw
• Aching pain in and surrounding the ear
• Pain in one or both jaw joints
• Pain or difficulty with chewing or jaw movement
• Facial pain or aches
• Jaw locking

TMJ disorders can create clicking sounds or grating sensations when you move your jaw to open your mouth or chew. However, if there is no pain involved or limitation to your jaw movements, your symptoms are moderate, and no treatment is needed. You should schedule an appointment if you continue to have continuous and persistent pain that limits your ability to open your mouth. Here are Periodontal Associates; we ensure your safety and wellbeing in your oral and overall health. Dr. Patil can discuss with you possible causes and treatments for your TMJ/TMD.