Focus on Smiles Blog

Although it’s literally a painfully common condition, temporomandibular joint disorder (also known as TMD or TMJ) is often misdiagnosed because it shares symptoms with other medical problems including migraines, arthritis, sinus ailments and gum disease.

The chronic symptoms of TMD can worsen with time and, if left untreated, contribute to progressive dental problems. Most people who suffer from TMD experience multiple symptoms including:

• Severe headaches
• Jaw tension and pain
• Facial, neck, back and shoulder pain
• Clicking or popping in the jaw
• Sticking or locking of the jaw
• Earaches or ringing ears
• Abnormal tooth wear or bone loss
• Difficulty chewing
• Numbness or tingling in the hands

If you have a number of these nagging symptoms that have otherwise evaded diagnosis, you may be experiencing TMD. TMD diagnosis and treatment falls under the category of neuromuscular dentistry, and an examination with Edmonton dentist Dr. Christine Fialka-Eshenko can help determine if TMD is the source of your pain and provide the foundation for seeking the correct individualized treatment options.

If you live in the Edmonton, Alberta, area and believe you might be suffering the effects of TMD, please contact Dr. Fialka-Eshenko at Focus on Smiles for a consultation.