Neuromuscular Dentistry

Philadelphia, Main Line, and Ardmore, Pennsylvania

TMD/TMJ Questions

What is the difference between TMD and TMJ?
TMJ is an acronym for the temporomandibular joint or jaw joint. It is the ball-and-socket joint where the lower jaw meets the skull and can be felt in action when you place a finger in front of one ear and open your mouth.

TMD, or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, is a misaligned jaw joint. It brings many uncomfortable symptoms that can affect the jaw joint, its muscles and tendons, the teeth, the whole face, and even the head, neck, and shoulders. It can be diagnosed by a neuromuscular dentist.

What causes TMD?
Malocclusion (bad dental bite) is a common cause of TMD. When your jaw is misaligned, it causes continuous stress on the muscles, nerves and tissues of the temporomandibular joint and eventually pushes it out of alignment. Also, an impact to the head can knock the jaw joint out of alignment by shifting the position of the lower jaw or the cartilage pad that cushions the two bone surfaces.

What symptoms are associated with TMD?
The symptoms of TMD often include the following:

• Painful, migraine-like headaches
• Pain in the jaw
• Tenderness in the jaw muscles
• Tooth pain
• Earaches
• Ringing in the ears
• Pain and pressure behind the eyes
• Pain when opening the mouth
• Jaw locking, popping and clicking sounds
• A change in how your upper and lower teeth fit together

Because they are so diverse, separate TMD symptoms may be misdiagnosed as arising from other health conditions.

How do I know if I have TMD?
There is no way to diagnose your own TMD. But if you suspect you may have it, you should schedule an appointment with a neuromuscular dentist such as Dr. Marshall, who can examine you using the latest in dental technology, diagnose your condition and successfully treat you.

How will my TMD be diagnosed?
Dr. Marshall will start by doing a complete dental exam, and if she suspects TMD, she will use a combination of technological devices to:

• Track the movements of your jaw;
• Record and analyze the electrical function of the jaw muscles; and
• Record and analyze the sounds made by the jaw joints.

She will also take digital X-rays to look in detail at how the jaw and skull are connecting.

What is the treatment for TMD?
Treatment for TMD is always customized and involves a combination of procedures. First, Dr. Marshall will work to relieve your immediate pain. Then she will stabilize your bite to prevent any further tooth damage or pain. Third, she will devise a long-term plan to correct the malocclusion. Please see our page on Temporomandibular Joint Disorder for more details.

How long will my TMD treatment take?
You should enjoy immediate relief from the worst symptoms. However, the length of your entire treatment depends on the severity of your condition and what steps are needed to correct it.

The sooner Dr. Marshall is able to diagnose your condition, the sooner you will be relieved of your pain and discomfort. If you suspect you may have TMD, please contact neuromuscular dentist, Dr. Lindsey F. Marshall immediately to schedule a neuromuscular dentistry consultation and start on the path towards pain relief. Serving residents of Philadelphia, Main Line, and Ardmore, Pennsylvania.

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Suburban Square
Ardmore, PA 19003
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