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TMJ/TMD Jacksonville, FL The temporomandibular joint or (TMJ) is the joint that connects the jawbone to the skull. This joint is located next to your ear and when this joint is inflamed, patients report feeling pain in their ear. The temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a condition affecting the joint and is characterized by inflammation or misalignment of the TMJ. When you come to us with a dental condition involving jaw pain, we have to do a full exam of your jawbone, including the TMJ joints. Among the common symptoms of TMD is tenderness in the jaw or swelling. If we spot these symptoms, our dentist will ask you to undergo various tests, including x-rays, to reveal whether or not you are suffering from TMD. Our Atlantic Dentistry dentists have the experience and necessary tools to detect TMJ/TMD in its very early stages.Causes of TMDTMJ disorders can occur in all people, including the young and the old. If you feel pain in your jawbone, ear, or areas around your ear, you should come to us for an evaluation to determine what the underlying cause is. Some of the causes of TMJs are apparent in all people. For instance, the joint might be dislocated or injured due to an accident or a blow to the face. Any impact on a patient's face might consequently lead to TMJ complications. The other cause of TMJ disorders is when the joint cartilage is damaged by various forms of arthritis. If you suffer from arthritis, you are more likely to suffer from TMJ disorders. Among the elderly, TMJ disorders may occur due to the disk eroding and shifting out of its proper alignment. Some individuals are generally at a higher risk of suffering TMD than others. Risk FactorsThose who are at a higher risk of TMJ disorders may have other underlying issues or diseases which increase their chances of contracting it. It may be a dental issue or perhaps something more complex. Of all patients with TMD disorders, the biggest contributing factor is if the patient had arthritis. If you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, you should definitely be cognizant of TMD. Be sure to be careful when chewing food. If you experience pain while chewing, do not ignore it. Please contact us so we can ascertain whether the pain is related to TMD. Arthritis is not the only risk factor. We also monitor individuals who have suffered any type of jaw injury. In most cases, minor jaw injuries left untreated eventually develop into TMDs. An individual who has also endured long-term teeth grinding or jaw clenching might suffer from TMD, as well. If you suffer from TMJ/TMD, or you experience symptoms similar to those mentioned above, let our experts have a look. We offer professional services which includes a full examination of your jawbone with the best tools that dental technology has to offer. Come see our state-of-the-art equipment at your next exam. Do not hesitate to contact us at Atlantic Dentistry for more information or to book your next appointment. |
Office hoursMon - Fri: 8:00AM - 5:00PM Sat: By Appointment Location13920 Old St Augustine Rd, Suite 103 Jacksonville, Fl 32258-5561 ContactOffice: (904) 644-3020 |
