WHAT IS TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDER (TMD) ?

TMD occurs when the lower jaw is not in the proper position in relation to the upper jaw. When the lower jaw is too far back as in the case of deep overbite, the protective disc between the bone of the skull and the lower jaw is displaced . This causes clicking and popping sounds as the patient opens and closes his mouth. When the disc is displaced, the bone of the skull and lower jaws come in contact and rub against each other which can cause permanent damage to the bones . In addition , the blood vessels and nerves located behind the joint is compressed causing inadequate blood supply to the muscles that hold the jaw together. The other muscles affected by the insufficient blood supply  are the muscles of the head and neck, thereby causing headaches, neck pain etc.

SYMPTOMS

1.     headaches, back pain, neck pain or stiffness

2.     Tired jaws or pain when chewing

3.     Dizziness or fainting

4.     Facial pain or pain behind the eyes

5.     Clicking,  popping, or grating sounds when opening and closing the mouth

6.     Earaches, congestion or ringing in the ears

7.     Limited jaw opening or locking

8.     Difficulty closing the teeth toget5her or swallowing

9.     Numbness in the hands

 If you have any of these symptoms , you need to go to a dentist that is trained in TMD .Prolonged spasms of facial muscles can lead to chronic muscle pain and trigger points (knotted muscles), which can send pain to different areas of the body such as neck, eyes, ears, shoulders or lower back which can make it difficult to diagnose.

Please call the offices of Dr. Luz Depante Tobias to schedule an appointment to have  the state of the art  computerized diagnostic testing and a complete medical and dental history to indicate the seriousness of your problem.