
Nov
At the office of Drs. John Aurelia and Dr. Dina Khoury, we have expertise and training in treating patients who suffer from temporomandibular disorder or TMD. TMD is a complex disorder that can cause patients pain and limited jaw mobility. If you are in the Rochester Hills, MI area, you can count on us to accurately diagnose and treat dysfunction of the TMJ.
The temporomandibular joint is the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull, giving you the ability to use your jaw for eating and speaking. There are many factors that can cause TMD pain, some of the most common include:
TMD can be caused by one of these factors, or a combination of them. It affects nearly 10 million Americans and often goes undiagnosed due to the variety of symptoms.
The severity of symptoms and jaw pain can vary by individual. Some patients experience sharp, stabbing pain, while others experience more of a dull ache. Some of the most common symptoms of TMD are:
Diagnosing TMD can be tricky, because there is no negative or positive test that can be done for it. After a thorough medical examination and history, we will make an informed diagnosis based upon your symptoms and their duration.
Treatment options for TMD often involve multiple approaches. One of the most effective options is a mouth guard that is worn at night. The guard prevents clenching and grinding, and gently repositions your jaws into the right alignment. Patients may also be advised to gently stretch the jaw muscles, use moist heat several times per day, and try relaxation techniques or meditation to decrease tension.