TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. Everyone has a right TM joint and a left TM joint. TMD stands for temporomandibular dysfunction. Temporomandibular disorders occur as a result of problems with the jaw, jaw joint, and surrounding facial muscles that control chewing and jaw movement. These disorders are often incorrectly called TMJ, for temporomandibular joint. The “Temporomandibular Joint,” more commonly referred to as the “jaw joint,” assists in the basic opening and closing movements of the jaw. TMD is a dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint.
Common Symptoms
- Moderate to severe muscle tension headaches (commonly misdiagnosed as migraines)
- Headaches at the base of the skull
- Difficulty opening wide and eating hard or chewy foods
- Jaw joint noise while opening or closing
- Jaw pain
- Dizziness
- Ear pain, loss of hearing or congestion
- Fatigue and inability to sleep well
- Neck and shoulder pain or tension
- Locking episodes
Causes
- Trauma to the head, neck or face as a result of a fall or automobile accident
- Frequent stressful situations and clenching
- Intubation during general anesthesia, occasionally causes jaw complications
- Childbirth
- Cervical traction and cervical collars
- Certain musical instruments, such as the violin, flute, and clarinet
- Forward head posture
We invite you to contact Mid American Treatment Center for TMD (Tulsa) at 918-254-4865 for all of your TMJ Specialist and Sleep Apnea Dentist questions.
Mid American Treatment Center for TMD (Tulsa) specializes in the following services: