We know that many of our patients are preparing for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, but during November, we also recognize TMJ Awareness Month. This is a time to raise awareness and support those who suffer from this condition and how to find relief and treatment solutions. TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint, which is responsible for opening and closing the jaw. You may also hear the term TMD, which refers to temporomandibular joint disorder. Many people use TMJ and TMD interchangeably, referring to the same condition. Patients with this condition can experience:
- Jaw pain and discomfort
- Face, back, and neck pain
- Frequent headaches
Earaches or ringing in the ears - Lockjaw
- Clicking or popping of the jaw
Problem with Lack of Diagnosis
One of the biggest problems with TMD is that patients often aren’t diagnosed or are misdiagnosed based on their symptoms. The symptoms of TMD are also the same as many other medical conditions. When patients are frequently experiencing issues, such as headaches and ear pain, they may think they are having a problem with allergies, ear infections, or a sinus infection. Patients see other medical professionals and become frustrated when the recommended treatment is unsuccessful. Unfortunately, the longer patients are misdiagnosed or do not receive a treatment plan, the faster their condition will continue to deteriorate. As your condition progresses with no medical intervention, you may begin to experience an increase in symptoms. Your discomfort will continue to worsen, and you may also begin to experience serious complications with your oral health as well.
We not only help our patients with a diagnosis, but we also create a treatment plan to relieve symptoms. If you think that you or a loved one may be experiencing symptoms related to TMD, be sure to contact our office located in Brunswick, GA to schedule an appointment. We want to help you get the relief you deserve.