TMD / TMJ Questions

Portsmouth,Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Hampton, VA

*Required
Privacy Policy

What is TMD & TMJ?
TMD & TMJ , or temporomandibular disorder, is a condition in which the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) becomes misaligned.

The TMJ is the joint that controls the range of motion of the jaw. When this becomes misaligned, it can cause pain, difficulty moving the jaw, dental problems, and other symptoms.

To top

What are the symptoms?
Depending on the type and severity of your TMD & TMJ, symptoms may include:

  • Bruxism, or tooth grinding
  • Clicking, popping, and impeded movement of the jaw
  • Excessive tooth wear
  • Pain and soreness of the jaw
  • Headaches, neck aches, and migraines
  • A misaligned bite, in which the upper and lower teeth do not fit together properly

In its earliest and most treatable stages, the symptoms of TMD may be less noticeable. That's why Dr. Folck recommends a full TMJ examination with every dental visit.

To top

Why is it important to find a neuromuscular dentist?
One very common cause of TMD is poor dental work. A filling or crown that sits incorrectly in the mouth or porcelain veneers that are improperly fitted can cause your bite to become misaligned, leading to TMD.

Even if you do not currently have TMD, it is essential that you find a dentist who is familiar with these problems and how to maintain the structure and alignment of your jaw. 

To top

What treatments are available?
We offer a range of treatments for TMJ & TMD disorders, depending on the cause and severity of your condition.

If your condition is caused by missing or misaligned teeth, we can often repair your bite by repairing damaged teeth and dental work. We also offer night guards that can prevent bruxism, or tooth grinding, while you sleep.

To top

What if I don't get my TMD treated?
If left untreated, the effects of TMD can be long-ranging.

Some of the types of long term damage caused by untreated TMD includes:

  • Tooth loss
  • Excessive tooth wear and decay
  • Persistent pain issues, including migraines
  • Lost or restless sleep

In many cases, TMD only becomes worse over time, as your misaligned bite causes decay that exacerbates the problem.

We recommend that every patient receive a thorough evaluation of their TMJ function, to ensure that TMD is caught and treated as early as possible.

To top

Want to learn more?
If you have other questions about TMD and how a neuromuscular dentist can improve the way you look and the way you feel, call our neuromuscular dentistry today.

We offer a full, thorough evaluation for every new patient, where we will be happy to answer any questions you might have, and provide you with a complete, ongoing plan for your dental health.

To top

Call or email us today to learn more about Dr. Folck, our office, and what we can do for you. Your first consultation is no-obligation so you've got nothing to lose, and plenty to gain!