TMD
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a jaw condition that causes painful symptoms, discomfort and problems with bite alignment. This often results in headaches, aching jaws and facial pain. Dr. Gary B. Dempsey specializes in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) treatment and has decades of experience diagnosing and helping Oklahoma City patients find relief from related symptoms.
What is TMD?
The temporomandibular joint is responsible for the movement of the jaw. TMJ facilitates chewing, eating, and speaking. When the jaw joints do not fit together correctly, the jaw and facial muscles can become overexerted, resulting in many health problems. Living with TMD can be frustrating and uncomfortable. Symptoms may be temporary or can last for extended periods. Multiple factors can lead to TMD development, though the exact cause may be difficult to determine.
What causes TMD?
Multiple factors can lead to the development of TMD, though the exact cause may be difficult to determine. A few known risk factors include:
What are the Symptoms?
The TMJ holds the lower jaw in its correct position. If there is an issue with the alignment or function of the jaw joints, the surrounding muscles can become strained to correct the problem. If this goes untreated, the muscles can become fatigued and inflamed.
Common symptoms of TMD include:
Jaw pain
Popping or clicking of the jaw
Facial pain or swelling
Earaches
Headaches
Neck and shoulder pain
Back pain
Toothaches
Diagnosis & TMD Treatment
Not only can TMD significantly negatively impact the quality of life, but it can also lead to more severe health concerns. Early diagnosis is critical in preventing further problems. Dr. Dempsey is a member of the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain and one of the few dentists in Oklahoma trained in this specialized field. He has assisted patients with TMD since he completed his residency in 1987.
Most patients suffering from TMD will begin by wearing a customized oral appliance to help position the jaws, joints and facial muscles in proper alignment. However, because no two patients are the same, treatments can vary depending on your specific situation. Dr. Dempsey will assess your TMJs and create a custom treatment plan to address your individual needs.
TMD
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a jaw condition that causes painful symptoms, discomfort and problems with bite alignment. This often results in headaches, aching jaws and facial pain. Dr. Gary B. Dempsey specializes in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) treatment and has decades of experience diagnosing and helping Oklahoma City patients find relief from related symptoms.
What is TMD?
The temporomandibular joint is responsible for the movement of the jaw. TMJ facilitates chewing, eating, and speaking. When the jaw joints do not fit together correctly, the jaw and facial muscles can become overexerted, resulting in many health problems. Living with TMD can be frustrating and uncomfortable. Symptoms may be temporary or can last for extended periods. Multiple factors can lead to TMD development, though the exact cause may be difficult to determine.
What causes TMD?
Multiple factors can lead to the development of TMD, though the exact cause may be difficult to determine. A few known risk factors include:
What are the Symptoms?
The TMJ holds the lower jaw in its correct position. If there is an issue with the alignment or function of the jaw joints, the surrounding muscles can become strained to correct the problem. If this goes untreated, the muscles can become fatigued and inflamed.
Common symptoms of TMD include:
Jaw pain
Popping or clicking of the jaw
Facial pain or swelling
Earaches
Headaches
Neck and shoulder pain
Back pain
Toothaches
Diagnosis & TMD Treatment
Not only can TMD significantly negatively impact the quality of life, but it can also lead to more severe health concerns. Early diagnosis is critical in preventing further problems. Dr. Dempsey is a member of the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain and one of the few dentists in Oklahoma trained in this specialized field. He has assisted patients with TMD since he completed his residency in 1987.
Most patients suffering from TMD will begin by wearing a customized oral appliance to help position the jaws, joints and facial muscles in proper alignment. However, because no two patients are the same, treatments can vary depending on your specific situation. Dr. Dempsey will assess your TMJs and create a custom treatment plan to address your individual needs.
If you suffer from any of the symptoms associated with TMD, call us right away!
We can work with you to treat the source of the problem.
TMJ
The temporomandibular joint is known as the TMJ. This is the joint where your jaw intersects with your skull. If this joint is not functioning smoothly, several severe conditions can develop. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research estimates that as many as 10 million Americans suffer from TMJ problems.
What Causes TMJ Disorders?
The TMJ dysfunction can be caused in several ways, including trauma, a misaligned bite, physical stress or even emotional stress. Eventually, the accumulated pain produces a variety of symptoms.
What might indicate TMJ problems?
The following symptoms may indicate a TMJ problem:
Headaches of any kind, especially chronically occurring migraines.
Chronically occurring earaches.
Bruxism (more commonly known as teeth grinding).
The inability to open or close your mouth completely.
A popping or clicking noise each time you open your jaw.
A tingling in your fingers.
Pain in the face, neck, shoulder, lower back or jaw that is unexplained.
We can perform a thorough examination of your jaw to locate your TMJ issues. Most patients find relief with simple oral appliances. These thin, comfortable mouthguards will reposition your jaw and ease your TMJ's stress to ensure your joint's alignment is correct. Realigning your jaw can quickly reduce headaches and other symptoms that come from TMJ issues.
There are additional treatments for a variety of scenarios. These treatments can include lifestyle adjustments, stress management advice or even building up your back teeth's surface to correct your misaligned bite.
TMJ
The temporomandibular joint is known as the TMJ. This is the joint where your jaw intersects with your skull. If this joint is not functioning smoothly, several severe conditions can develop. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research estimates that as many as 10 million Americans suffer from TMJ problems.
What Causes TMJ Disorders?
The TMJ dysfunction can be caused in several ways, including trauma, a misaligned bite, physical stress or even emotional stress. Eventually, the accumulated pain produces a variety of symptoms.
What might indicate TMJ problems?
The following symptoms may indicate a TMJ problem:
Headaches of any kind, especially chronically occurring migraines.
Chronically occurring earaches.
Bruxism (more commonly known as teeth grinding).
The inability to open or close your mouth completely.
A popping or clicking noise each time you open your jaw.
A tingling in your fingers.
Pain in the face, neck, shoulder, lower back or jaw that is unexplained.
We can perform a thorough examination of your jaw to locate your TMJ issues. Most patients find relief with simple oral appliances. These thin, comfortable mouthguards will reposition your jaw and ease your TMJ's stress to ensure your joint's alignment is correct. Realigning your jaw can quickly reduce headaches and other symptoms that come from TMJ issues.
There are additional treatments for a variety of scenarios. These treatments can include lifestyle adjustments, stress management advice or even building up your back teeth's surface to correct your misaligned bite.