Many people are often frustrated by common symptoms of TMD without knowing that they suffer from this condition. For instance, many dental patients commonly complain of headaches and their frustration at not finding the relief they needed from their primary care physician. When dental patients complain of frequent headaches, that is often an indicator that they are suffering from Temporomandibular (TMD) Syndrome. Other symptoms are also indicators of this condition, yet without understanding what they are, patients suffer without proper treatment.
The temporomandibular joint is a hinge joint that connects the jaw to the skull, allowing it to open and close smoothly. If this joint has received damage or injury, it can lead to localized pain and residual discomfort that many people would not even think of as being related. Because of the residual pain that can often be alarming to learn is related, TMD is sometimes difficult to diagnose. It is not uncommon for a dental patient to visit the dentist for a regular cleaning and checkup to learn through a series of questions and thorough evaluation, that they are suffering from TMD.
Signs and symptoms of TMD include:
- Jaw popping
- Jaw clicking
- Frequent morning headaches
- Pain in the jaw or lower facial region
- Stiffness in the jaw muscle
- Stiffness in the neck
- Ear pain and/or ringing
- Popping sounds in the ears
- Pain in the temple area
- Locking of the jaw joint
While some symptoms such as jaw pain and clicking may seem like obvious indicators of TMD, other symptoms such as ear pain and stiffness in the neck are often overlooked as a sign that the temporomandibular joint is injured.
At Group Health Dental, we are here for all of your dental needs. If you suffer from symptoms listed above, please contact us for an appointment and evaluation.
