Dental Diagnosis: How Do I Know if I Have TMD?

Does your jaw feel sore or stiff, or does it make a clicking noise when you open your mouth? If so, you might have developed an issue with your TMJ. These joints anchor your jawbone to your skull and help provide your mandible with a full range of motion.

But if they become inflamed, it can cause pain or limit your mouth’s movements. Your dentist can provide treatments that help the overworked joints rest and heal, but you might need an official diagnosis first. If you’re unsure how to get one, continue reading to learn more about it!

What Does TMD Refer To?

When your TMJ is in good health, it allows you to open and close your mouth, move it side to side, or push your chin forward and back. But if you have a bite or dental misalignment, grind your teeth, or have suffered physical trauma to your mouth or face, they might have to work harder to perform their basic functionality.

This can trigger the development of TMD, temporomandibular joint disorder, which causes discomfort and inflammation that require your dentist’s help to address. If left untreated, your condition could progressively worsen. It’s been known to lead to chronic head, jaw, and neck aches, prematurely worn-down enamel, ear problems, and, in extreme cases, permanent joint damage or a locked jaw.

What are the Common Signs of TMD?

There are many issues that might let you know you’ve developed TMD, including:

• Throbbing or tenderness in your jaw, ears, cheeks, and neck.
• Targeted discomfort in your temporomandibular joints.
• Difficulty or pain when chewing.
• Frequent or prolonged headaches or migraines.
• Difficulty opening or closing your mouth.
• A tired feeling in your jaw.
• A stiff or locked jaw.
• Altered facial expressions.
• Upper and lower teeth don’t touch where they should when you close your mouth.

How Can I Get a TMD Diagnosis?

There are many potential indicators that can point to an underlying TMJ problem, but other oral or medical concerns might cause similar symptoms. Thankfully, your dentist knows what to look for and can help officially diagnose your disorder.

For instance, they can take X-rays or other scans to see what’s happening with your jawbone beneath the surface. They will also examine your mouth and press down on certain points to determine potential areas of weakness or discomfort associated with TMD.

Once you’ve obtained an official diagnosis, your dentist can work with you on a customized treatment plan to give your TMJ the reprieve it needs to relax and recover!

About the Practice

At North Jacksonville Complete Dentistry, patients benefit from a team of dentists eager to help them build happy, healthy smiles. Dr. Bradberry, Dr. Truong, and Dr. Baxter share decades of combined experience and collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services to people of all ages. For instance, they provide custom-fitted oral appliances to adjust your jaw alignment, alleviating TMD symptoms and preserving your dental health. You can request an appointment on the website or call (904) 751-4958.