TMJ Disorders FAQ

Experiencing or being diagnosed with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder can be disconcerting, but it means there is relief on the horizon. Below are the most common TMJ disorder FAQs. If you have more questions regarding TMJ disorder, symptoms of TMJ, or treatment options, contact our office to speak with an Aligned OMFS team member.

What is our holistic treatment philosophy?

Our office takes a holistic approach to treating TMJ disorder. A comprehensive approach aims to diagnose the underlying cause of problems that manifest in TMJ disorders. Dr. Caloss understands the complexity and variations in what causes TMJ and how the symptoms manifest differently in every patient.

Frequently asked TMD questions in Jackson, MS.

What is TMJ?

Your TMJ or temporomandibular joint is a hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. Physical trauma, dental problems, and psychological stressors can hinder the function of the TMJ, leading to TMJ disorder (TMD).

What is TMD?

TMD causes symptoms, including pain, soreness, and sensitivity in the face, neck, jaws, and shoulders. You may have difficulty opening or closing your mouth, hindering your ability to chew and speak. Many patients with TMD experience lockjaw and hear a popping sound when they open or close their mouths. In some cases, you may experience headaches and dizziness as a symptom of TMD.

What causes TMD?

A wide range of factors contribute to TMD, and they are unique for every patient. TMD can be caused directly or indirectly by trauma to the head or neck, arthritis, habitually clenching your teeth, genetic traits, and unhealthy posture – among many others.

How do I stop the headaches or earaches?

Headaches and ear pain are common symptoms of TMD, but other factors can contribute to these symptoms. Habitually clenching your teeth can be a manifestation of stress, but it results in headaches and jaw muscle spasms over time. Headaches often are accompanied by earaches, which may be connected to TMD. TMD treatment will bring you relief if you get chronic headaches and have earaches.

Will TMD treatment stop the pain in my face?

Treatment has a high rate of success for patients with chronic facial pain. Our comprehensive approach aims to diagnose the underlying cause of TMD in each patient and develop a treatment plan to alleviate jaw and facial pain in each phase directly.

Why is my jaw making a popping sound?

If you hear a popping sound coming from your jaw when you open your mouth, you may have TMD, but that symptom does not require treatment unless you have associated pain or dysfunction. During your consultation, Dr. Caloss will examine your oral cavity and take X-ray scans to determine the cause and develop a treatment plan to alleviate the problematic popping sound coming from your jaw.

Do you have a question about TMJ disorder that is not listed above? Call our Jackson MS office at Jackson Office Phone Number 601-841-3223 today to schedule your consultation and get answers to any of your TMJ disorder FAQs.

Other Useful Links