The Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull on each side of your face, which acts as a sliding hinge as you open and close your mouth. Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) can cause pain in your jaw as well as the muscles that control it. For some, this pain can be quite debilitating as it causes chronic facial pain. However our skilled staff are able to help correct this joint dysfunction, relieve pain.
Learn More about TMJ/TMD Disorders with Wood City Dental
What are TMJ/TMD Disorders?
Temporomandibular disorders are disorders of the temporomandibular joints and connected soft tissues. The TMJs are among the most complex joints in the body. These joints, along with several muscles, ligaments, and nerves, allow the mandible (lower jaw) to move up and down, side to side, and forward and back. Any problem that prevents this complex system from working in harmony can result in temporomandibular disorder.
Inflammation and pain in temporomandibular joints can result in a restricted ability to move your jaw, a locked jaw, toothaches, cracked teeth, generalized cold sensitivity, headaches, neck aches, facial swelling, dizziness, earaches, hearing problems, upper shoulder pain, and ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
TMJ pain can be temporary, or it can last many years. It may affect one or both sides of your face. More women have it than men, and it’s most common among people between the ages of 20 and 40.