TMJ is short for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, and is also known as TMD. Some sixty million Americans have some form of Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD).

Simply stated, TMD is a syndrome that occurs when the muscles in the jaw and the jaw joint are out of alignment, causing problems when chewing. When the ligaments, muscles,bones, joints, and bit do not line up and work properly, the result is either pain or damage to any of these structures.

 
Dr. Burgess has received advanced training in this area at the Dawson Center for Advanced Dental Study. This is the most well known institute for conservatively and nonsurgically treating TMJ symptoms.

Symptoms Associated With TMD

• A clicking, popping, or grating sound when opening or closing the mouth
• Headaches and/or dizziness, especially in the morning
• Tenderness in jaw muscles or neck muscles
• Occasional earaches, especially in the morning
• Jaws that sometimes lock open when yawning or opening wide
• Spasms or cramps in the jaw, neck, or upper back area
• Sore, tender, or loose teeth, especially in the morning
• Tingling in the arms and hands, especially at night

What causes TMD

• Naturally misaligned teeth
• Clenching or grinding of the teeth, especially at night while sleeping
• Wearing down of teeth and fillings
• Developmental (natural) defects in shape or position of teeth
• Orthodontics, especially if all teeth were not aligned during treatment
• Accidents/trauma to the teeth or the joints
• Poor dental work
• Stress, which doesn't cause TMD, but will increase the intensity of discomfort

To understand how difficult it is to cope with this type of disorder, read this testimonial of one of Dr. Burgess' patients: I Lived In Pain For Over Two Years