Konig Center for Cosmetic & Comprehensive Dentistry

Houston, Texas

If you experience chronic headaches, neck pain, jaw pain, or clicking in your jaw, you may be suffering from a condition called temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). This is a very common condition affecting millions of Americans, and it is associated with a misalignment of your jaw. It is quite possible that you have been suffering from this debilitating condition for years without even realizing that TMD was the cause of your pain.

Fortunately, you do not have to remain in pain any longer. The field of neuromuscular dentistry, which focuses on jaw alignment issues, offers many TMD treatment options to help alleviate your pain and stabilize your jaw.

Houston TMJ dentist, Dr. Ronald Konig has devoted a substantial portion of his practice to this specialized area of dentistry and has the experience to assist you with your TMD symptoms. He has constructed this website to provide you with a valuable resource as you begin to learn about this complex condition.

What is TMD?

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) occurs when the joint connecting your jaw to your skull, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), becomes misaligned. The TMJ is one of the most complex joints in your body, and it plays a major role in your ability to perform routine tasks such as talking, chewing, and yawning. When this joint falls out of alignment, it can impact a variety of functions associated with the movement of your jaw, and it is often associated with considerable pain or discomfort.

While it is often difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of your condition, there are a variety of factors which may contribute to the development of TMD, including:

• Grinding or clenching your teeth
• Stress which causes you to tighten your facial and jaw muscles
• Damage to the cartilage of your TMJ, typically from arthritis
• Damage to the TMJ from a sharp blow
• Dislocation of the disc which provides cushioning between the ball and socket of your TMJ
• Breathing or airway problems
• Postural Problems

TMD Symptoms

TMD often results in severe pain which may last for many years if left untreated. Common TMD symptoms include:

• Jaw pain
• Facial pain
• Neck and shoulder pain
• Limited mobility of the jaw
• Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw joint when opening or closing your mouth
• Problems chewing
• Headaches
• Uncomfortable bite
• Uneven bite
• Locking of the jaw joint
• Dizziness
• Ringing in the ears

Read our Page on Headaches and Migraines related to TMJ to learn more on how you can stop your tension headaches!

If you experience any of these symptoms, a Houston neuromuscular dentist may be able to help. Dr. Konig has the skills and experience to properly diagnose your condition, and he will recommend the appropriate treatment course based on your unique circumstances.

If you believe you may be suffering from TMD, please contact our Houston, Texas TMD dentist today to schedule your initial consultation with Houston TMJ dentist Dr. Konig.  Serving Houston, Galveston, Katy, Sugar Land and surrounding areas in Texas.