TMD, or temporomandibular joint disorder is a disorder caused a misaligned jaw joint (the TMJ). The temporomandibular joint connects the jaw to the skull and can be susceptible to any disorder that affects our joints, including arthritis and dislocation. TMD, also called TMJ, or temporomandibular joint syndrome, is usually caused by a misaligned bite, which puts strain on the joint, resulting in a number of different symptoms.

Because the symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder are so diverse and affect so many different parts of the body, most people suffering these symptoms will go to a medical doctor not considering the fact that their painful symptoms may be a dental issue. Medical doctors will treat the symptoms by prescribing pain medications or some type of physical therapy to ease the discomfort of the area, but medical doctors do not treat the cause of the symptoms. Neuromuscular dentists like Dr. Daniel Melnick, in Laurel, Maryland, have special training to not only diagnose, but also treat the many painful symptoms of TMD, including:

• Clicking/popping noises in the jaw
• Jaw pain
• Facial pain
• Severe headaches
• Stiffness in the jaw
• Locking of the jaw
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Neck and shoulder pain
• Numbness and tingling in the fingers
• Bruxism (grinding the teeth)

If you suffer from any or all of the above symptoms of TMD, please contact the Laurel, Maryland neuromuscular dentistry office of Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry today to schedule a TMD consultation.