What is TMD?
Dr. Jonathan Zamora is a highly trained and extensively experienced dentist who proudly serves the Las Vegas, NV area. Among the services that he provides are diagnostic and treatment options for temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ/TMD). One important clarification to make is that TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint whereas TMD refers to the disorders afflicting the joint itself. TMD can happen as a result of problems within or relating to the jaw, jaw joint, or any of the muscles or connective tissues around this area. The TMJ is what connects the lower jaw, or mandible, to the temporal area of the skull. These joints experience a tremendous amount of heavy use due to speech, chewing, and even yawning.
What are the symptoms and causes of TMD?
The symptoms of TMD are wide ranging and this following information is not intended to be all inclusive, but some common ailments of TMD can include:
- Pain in the face, neck, shoulders, jaw, ear when you move your jaw or open your mouth widely
- Clicking, cracking, or popping of the jaw joint
- Headaches
- Toothaches without an observable cause
- Sharp pain when chewing or a bite that feels misaligned
- Locking or sticking of the jaw joint
- Earaches or clicking sounds in the ear
Although the direct cause(s) of TMD is not immediately clear, it is apparent that the muscles and individual components of the joint itself can be affected. A sudden sharp blow to the jaw area, or other injury to the neck or head could possibly be a cause or contributing factor to TMD. Many of the symptoms of TMD can be misconstrued as other conditions or they can mimic other ailments like arthritis, periodontal disease, or sinus infections. It is imperative that you seek the expertise of a highly trained and knowledgeable dentist like Dr. Jonathan Zamora in order to have your condition correctly diagnosed and treated. There are a multitude of treatment options for TMD and the precise course of treatment for your unique clinical situation will depend heavily on the types of symptoms that you are suffering from. Medication, lifestyle changes, and in severe cases, surgery may be required to alleviate the pain and discomfort of your TMD symptoms.
Contact the Las Vegas, NV office of Dr. Zamora for Your TMD Evaluation
If you have been experiencing inexplicable pain in your jaw, neck, shoulder, or ears and you are fed up with the chronic, nagging discomfort then let Dr. Jonathan Zamora provide you with the excellent care that he has become known for in the Las Vegas, NV area. Dr. Zamora will use the latest diagnostic technique and ameliorative treatments to quickly and effectively address your TMD issues. If you are ready to get rid of your headaches and other chronic pain related to TMD, then contact the office of Dr. Zamora and schedule your no-obligation consultation today.
