You may have heard “TMJ” or “TMD” in conversation with friends and family. People use these abbreviations interchangeably when they’re experiencing jaw pain and other symptoms. But they don’t mean the same thing. One is the abbreviation for your jaw joint, and the other refers to a broad category of disorders that can affect that joint. To learn more about TMJ and TMD, keep reading.

What Are TMJ & TMD?

TMJ is short for temporomandibular joint, the joints on either side of your face that connect your lower jaw to your skull. When the TMJ isn’t functioning properly, you can experience any number of symptoms, including jaw pain, swelling, popping, clicking, and locking. We call that TMD, or temporomandibular disorder. TMD symptoms aren’t limited to the jaw and face, however. Beyond the noises, stiffness, and discomfort, TMD can also cause:

• Tension headaches and migraines
• Persistent teeth grinding, which can lead to damaged teeth
• Sleep disruptions
• Neck and shoulder pain
• Earaches and ringing in the ears
• Partial hearing loss
• Tingling in the extremities
• Dizziness and balance problems

If you experience any of these symptoms on a regular basis and/or your mouth has limited range of motion, you may have TMD. 

What You Can Do About TMD

Fortunately, TMD is manageable. Although it may be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of TMJ dysfunction, we do offer solutions to relieve pain, stabilize the jaw, and allow the joint to heal. With TMD treatment at our office, we can restore your ability to eat in complete comfort and open your mouth wide without painful locking, popping, or clicking. 

We offer multiple treatment options to improve TMJ function. After a comprehensive consultation, Dr. Stamm will create a customized treatment plan to relieve your pain and get you on the road to healing. Depending on the severity of your case, she may recommend:

• anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, or steroid injections
• self-care treatments
• biofeedback 
• physical therapy
• splint therapy

What Is Splint Therapy?

A splint is a clear plastic appliance that fits over your top or bottom teeth to keep your teeth apart so your jaw and facial muscles can relax, easing the stress on your TMJ. There are different types of splints we can use to treat TMD-related symptoms. For example, Dr. Stamm may prescribe a nightguard to prevent you from clenching your jaw and grinding your teeth at night. Alternatively, she may recommend an anterior positioning appliance to move your jaw forward. She could also recommend an orthotic stabilization appliance to stabilize your jaw. The type of appliance Dr. Stamm recommends for you will depend on your symptoms and unique treatment needs. 

Don’t Wait for TMJ Pain to Get Worse

Even if you believe your TMD symptoms aren’t that bad, we recommend visiting our office located in Westminster, CO to consult with Dr. Stamm. TMD is progressive. What’s manageable today could become unbearable in the future. Treating your symptoms now will halt the progression of your TMD and prevent further damage to your jaw joint, your teeth, and your overall health. 

Let us help you manage your TMD and relieve your pain. Call our office located in Westminster, CO today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Stamm. We look forward to hearing from you soon!