TMJ Disorder

TMJ, short for temporomandibular joint disorder, is the result of misaligned jaw joints. When these joints work in harmony with the facial muscles, ligaments, and nerves, the result is comfortable chewing and a properly aligned bite. When these joints become misaligned, the result is a host of painful symptoms, including:

Headaches and migraines
Facial, back, neck, jaw, and shoulder pain
Ringing in the ears
Dizziness
Sensitive teeth
Limited movement or locked jaw
Worn, cracked teeth
Clicking or popping jaw
Clenching and bruxism

TMJ disorder can result from injury, stress, genetics, hormones, and auto-immune disease. It’s quite common in our society. In fact, recent studies estimate that 10 million Americans suffer from TMJ at any given time*. The disorder is also severely under diagnosed, especially considering that most people don’t realize that a dentist, with neuromuscular training, can alleviate their pain.

If you experience any of the symptoms above, contact Dr. Hahn’s Columbia dental office for more information. With conservative TMJ treatments, Dr. Hahn can restore your bite and eliminate chronic pain forever.

*National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research