Dangers Of Leaving TMD Untreated
Do you frequently experience discomfort in your face and jaw? If so, you may be suffering from a common condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder, also known as TMD. TMD is a condition that affects the temporomandibular joint. This is the ball-and-socket joint that attaches the lower jaw to the base of the skull. If you place your fingers on the back of your jaw near your ear and open your mouth, you can feel the temporomandibular joint move. One of the biggest struggles with this condition is that patients are often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed because many of the symptoms resemble other medical conditions.
TMD can be frustrating because many people find themselves in a constant state of discomfort. It can be difficult to open your mouth to take bites of food and chew properly, which can lead to prematurely worn teeth, cracked teeth, frequent headaches, and issues with your quality of sleep. TMD is similar to any condition that affects your joints, and it will continue to break down until treatment is received. If you experience any of the following symptoms, there is a chance you have TMD:
- Frequent headaches
- Jaw pain and facial discomfort
- Difficulty chewing and swallowing
- Jaw that feels stuck
- Ear discomfort or ringing of the ears
Follow Through with Treatments
We are happy to evaluate patients, pinpoint the source of their discomfort, and create a treatment plan to monitor and hopefully eliminate their symptoms. Many of our patients experience a complete change in their quality of life once treatment is started. Even when you start to notice relief, it is important to continue and maintain your treatment plan. TMD disorder can be a life-long condition for patients who routinely experience symptoms. Not following through with your treatment plan can lead to unnecessary discomfort.
If you are in Fort Lee, NJ or the surrounding area and think that you or a loved one may be suffering from the effects of TMD, we would love to help you. Be sure to contact our office to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon!
