What Is the Difference Between TMJ & TMD?

November 9, 2021 10:03 pm

Do you wake up with extreme jaw pain, or hear a strange clicking sound whenever you move your jaw? You might be experiencing TMJ (temporomandibular joint)/TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder).

Although TMJ/TMD are often used interchangeably, they actually mean completely different things. In this blog post, we’ll define TMJ, TMD, and discuss how we can treat your jaw pain effectively at Seastone Dental.

What Is TMJ?

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, or the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. Your TMJ is extremely vital in the way you eat, talk, and smile.

What Is TMD?

TMD stands for temporomandibular joint disorder, which is a range of issues that can affect your temporomandibular joint. So while TMJ stands for the joint itself, TMD stands for the issues that can impact the functionality of your TMJ.

TMJ Therapy

At Seastone Dental, we offer TMJ therapy, which addresses TMD. The main symptoms of TMD are jaw pain, swelling, and headaches, so if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms together, it may be time to schedule an appointment with us to find relief!

Among the treatment options we offer for TMD include custom mouthguards to mitigate jaw clenching in your sleep, TMJ exercises, dietary adjustments (e.g., eating softer foods instead of hard, crunchy ones), and physical therapy and stretching. During your consultation, we’ll carefully examine your jaw and discuss your symptoms to develop the right course of action for your individual situation.

Affordable TMJ therapy in Summerville, South Carolina

You shouldn’t have to live through extreme jaw pain. If left untreated, TMJ issues can result in hearing and vision loss, so it’s best to seek out help and comfort before your issues begin to impact your quality of life. Our payment plans help make your treatment affordable so you don’t have to choose between your health and your finances. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get ready to smile with confidence again!

Categorised in: Oral Health, TMJ/TMD