cosmetic family dentistry the woodlands texas Dr. Bill Lockhart DDS

Jaw Pain/Headaches

Temporo-Mandibular Joint (TMJ), the joint where the mandible (the
lower jaw) joins the temporal bone of the skull, immediately in front
of the ear on each side of your head. A small disc of cartilage
separates the bones, much like in the knee joint. This disc allows
the mandible to slide easily; every time you chew, talk, yawn, or
even swallow the mandible moves. It is, therefore, one of the most
frequently used of all joints of the body and one of the most
complex.

Over 10 million people suffer from TMJ Disorder. This large group
includes people of all ages - pre-teens, teens, young adults, the
middle aged and seniors. The words "TMJ Disorder" are often a
catch-all term used to describe dysfunction of the jaw muscles and
joints. It can be as minor as slight clicking or popping sensations
when the mouth is opened and closed, or as serious as persistent
pain extending into the face, neck and shoulders affecting posture
and even mobility.

What is TMD?

TMD disorder is a living nightmare for an estimated 50 million
Americans who suffer from this distress. And the fact that many TMJ
dentists and physicians fail to diagnose temporomandibular joint
disorder disorder means that people are suffering needlessly and
spending money on office visits and drugs that give them no relief.
But there is hope when TMJ is diagnosed correctly. Symptoms include
head, neck, and back aches. You may also have earaches, bouts of
deafness, or ringing in your ears. You may hear clicking and popping
when you chew. You can win this battle with TMJ Dentistry.

Malocclusion Of The Mouth

The term malocclusion literally means "bad bite." It is a generalized
term that refers to many different types of mal-relationships of the
lower teeth to the upper teeth. In popular usage, any arrangement
of the teeth that is at variance with a prescribed ideal is considered
to be a malocclusion. But that is an oversimplification because some
occlusions that appear to be ideal may be in disharmony with the jaw
joints (the TMJs). Such disharmony can be a source of many different
problems with the teeth, the TMJ, or the jaw muscles. Even minute
disharmonies of the bite can be a major factor in loosening the
teeth, wearing away of the enamel, or fracturing off cusps.

Dr. Lockhart is experienced in these disorders and ready to discuss
your individual symptoms and treatment if necessary.