What is the difference between TMJ and TMD?

Many acronyms are being used in dentistry, and keeping track of them could be a daunting task. Like you, people often get confused by the terms TMD and TMJ. It is common among people to use both acronyms interchangeably while referring to the same thing, but while the two are related, they do not mean the same thing.

If you experience unexplained neck pain, jaw clicking or popping, migraines, or pain in the upper back, you should consult a TMD Specialist to have your condition diagnosed.

TMJ & TMD Are Two Difference Things

TMJ and TMD aren’t the same things. TMJ means ‘temporomandibular joint’ while TMD means ‘temporomandibular joint disorder.’ The former is a delicate and small joint that links the jaw to the skull, and the latter is several varieties of issues that cause problems with the TMJ. So, TMJ is the joint itself, and TMD is a term used for the issues that determine the working condition of the TMJ.

About TMJ

TMJ is a small, delicate ball-and-socket joint located next to each of the human ears, and it connects the lower jaw skull’s temporal bone that supports the temple of the face while protecting the ear. The TMJ is an important structure. The TMJ is the hinge responsible for the opening and closing of the mouth, chewing, talking, yawning, and drinking. Its delicate structure makes it vulnerable to inflammation, irritation, and chewing problems. In case of damage to or misalignment of the TMJ, a host of disorders can arise, and these disorders are called TMDs.

What is TMD?

TMD refers to any form of disorder that can happen to the functionality of the TMJ. The disorder affects jaw muscles, facial nerves, and TM joints. The damage to the TMJ can result from the following:

Gum disease
Tooth decay
Improper bite
Nightly teeth grinding
Excessively chewing gum
Injury
Inflammation
Infection
Displaced disc in the TM joints
Stress
The deterioration that is caused by an autoimmune disease such as arthritis

Symptoms of the temporomandibular joint disorder include:

Tenderness of the jaw muscles
Difficulty chewing
Muscle spasms
Sensitive teeth
Dizziness
Face and jaw pain
Clicking or locking the jaw
Swelling on the face
Pain in the neck and shoulders

TMD makes carrying out the daily tasks of the TMJ to be painful, and the symptoms can further affect other parts of the body. TMD affects about 15% of Americans, causing headaches, earaches, and chronic facial pain.

What is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder Diagnosed

Unfortunately, the symptoms of TMD are similar to other conditions, so a visit to a TMD specialist, a discussion of your health history, and a physical examination are the right steps to getting diagnosed with TMD. First, the jaw joints will be checked for any tenderness or pains. The dentist checks to see if the jaw works normally and without lock or clicking noises. The final part of the exam involves the TMD specialist testing your bite and checking for issues with the muscles of your face.

There is also a need for a full facial x-ray, as this will allow your dentist to have a good view of your temporomandibular joints. If our dentist feels it is necessary, you may undergo a CT scan or an MRI. A CT scan will show the details of your facial bone structure, and an MRI will show the location of your TMJ disc when you move your jaw.

TMD Treatment

Lifestyle changes such as practicing good posture, eating softer food, certain relaxation techniques, avoiding yelling or clenching the teeth, and slightly keeping the teeth apart can help you relieve some symptoms of TMD. Your dentist may also recommend a night guard, dental work, and medications. If necessary, you may have to go through advanced TMD treatment options such as ultrasound to relieve soreness, a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation unit to relax your joints for pain relief, injection trigger-point injections into the facial muscles to relieve pains or oral surgery – Arthroscopy – to realign the joint or remove inflamed tissue.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between TMJ and TMD can help patients recognize symptoms early and seek the right treatment. With professional dental care and the right management plan, many TMJ-related issues can be effectively treated.

CTA

Experiencing jaw pain or discomfort? Book a consultation with Instyle Dental Care today.