What is TMJ Dysfunction?

TMJ stands for "Tempro-Mandibular-Joint", and is your jaw joint. This joint is complex, and involves facial bones, muscles, ligaments and cushions that work in synchrony to enable you to chew, talk, and move your jaw. When there is an imbalance of components of the TMJ joint, people may feel symptoms such as:

• Pain when you open your jaw

• Jaws clicking or feeling as if they will lock

• Jaws tiring form smiling or chewing gum

• Headaches, neck and shoulder pain

• Excessive wearing down of teeth

When the TMJ does not work properly, it is termed TMJ Dysfunction ( or TMD). 

What causes TMD?

TMD may have multiple causes. Some examples include injury to the joint, having chronic clenching of teeth (called Bruxism), nail biting and finger/thumb sucking behaviors. 

How is TMD diagnosed?

Since TMD can have numerous causes, determining if you may have TMD may involve obtaining a medical and dental history, getting x-rays of the jaw joint, and testing the range of motion of the jaw joint. Sometimes, medical and orthodontic examinations may be necessary. 

How is TMD treated?

Dr. Akroush can diagnose and treat TMD. The exact treatment depends on what may be causing the TMD. Some examples of treatment include:

• Restore missing teeth to help maintain proper relationship of the jaw

• Use or a dental appliance to help align the jaw and to relax the muscles (see NTI appliance in the right column)

• Jaw exercises and relaxation techniques

• Medications and surgery may also need to be used in certain situations.

Please talk with Dr. Akroush if you have any concerns with your jaw.

NTI Device, described below:

Dentists and physicians see many people with various types of headaches. 

It has been found that a significant factor worsening migraine and tension-type headaches may be chronic clenching of teeth (called bruxism). Bruxism may also lead to excessive wearing of teeth. 

Dr. Akroush uses the NTI device for medically diagnosed Migraine headaches and various type of TMJ disorders. You may find more information about the NTI by clicking here.