Many patients at Bayswater Family Dental ask Dr Fine about the difference between TMJ and TMD, as these terms are often used interchangeably but actually refer to different things. Understanding this distinction can help you communicate more effectively about jaw-related concerns and better understand your treatment options.
Understanding Your Jaw Joint
Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the actual joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull. Everyone has two TMJ joints, located just in front of each ear. These joints work together to allow you to open and close your mouth, chew, speak and yawn.
TMD, on the other hand, stands for temporomandibular disorder, which refers to problems or dysfunction affecting the TMJ joints, surrounding muscles or both. When people say they have 'TMJ problems,' they're actually referring to TMD.
Common TMD symptoms that Dr Fine diagnosis and treats include:
- Jaw pain or tenderness — Pain in the TMJ, neck or facial muscles that may worsen with chewing or speaking
- Joint clicking or popping — Noises when opening or closing your mouth, which may or may not be accompanied by pain
- Limited jaw movement — Difficulty opening your mouth fully or jaw locking in open or closed positions
- Headaches or earaches — Pain that radiates from the jaw area to surrounding regions, often mistaken for other conditions
- Facial muscle fatigue — Tired feeling in jaw muscles, particularly after eating or talking for extended periods
At our Bayswater dental practice, Dr Fine employs comprehensive examination techniques to diagnose TMD and develop effective treatment plans accurately. Treatment options range from simple lifestyle modifications and custom night guards to more advanced therapies, depending on the severity and underlying cause of your TMD symptoms.