What is “TMJ Disease?” Can it Keep You Up at Night?

We hear everyone talking about TMJ disease or I have “TMJ.”  Well, we all have a TMJ–temporomandibular joint, but we all do not have Temporomandibular Joint Disorder.  The dental profession has many names for problems with the temporomandibular joint.  The Center for Reconstructive Dentistry treats symptoms and disease of the temporomandibular joint.  These disease states can be involve the “masticatory musculature”–the muscles that make us chew; the structures or bone that are associated with the joint; and or both of these.  Problems or pain with the TMJ can also be called Craniomandibular disorders or Temoromandibular Dysfunction Syndrome.  SO–there are many classifications.  According to Dr. Sherri Worth, pain in and around the TMJ can manifest itself in many ways.  Patients will complain of headaches, ear pain, noises in the ear (ringing), head pain, neck and back pain, and restless or lack of sleep–these can all be attributed to issues with the TMJ.  There are treatments such as an occlusal guard that can be fabricated at the center and adjusted to alleviate pain, ear noise, and decrease headaches.  These are also other modalities that Dr. Sherri Worth and the team can proscribe to treat TMD.  Dr. Worth also states that many of her patients complain of restless and lack of sleep that is due to their TMJ problems–”often, a well fitting and well made night guard can help patients get a good night sleep again.”  You may call the Center at 949-644-6988 for more information regarding joint and head and neck pain due to TMD or Craniomandibular Disorders.

Tags: Healthy Gums, healthy teeth, Jaw Pain, oral health, teeth grinding, TMD Disorders, TMD Pain, TMJ Disorders, TMJ Pain