TMJ Therapy: LeAnn Rimes Suffers from TMD

For all of you country music fans out there, you’ve probably already heard of LeAnn Rimes’ mysterious early exit from her concert back in March. During a concert in Oklahoma, the country music star left the stage prematurely and without granting her expectant fans an explanation.

So, what does this have to do with dentistry, you ask?

As it turns out, LeAnn Rimes suffers from TMD, or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder. This disorder refers to any pain associated with the jaw joint and while there is no real “cure” for this disorder, the pain can be treated with therapy. Fortunately, at Smile Creations, we offer TMJ therapy at our office in Austin, Texas.

What is TMD?

TMD stands for temporomandibular disorder. This disorder stems from problems with the temporomandibular joint. This joint connects the lower jaw to the skull. It controls movements needed for eating, speaking, singing, laughing, etc. People with TMD often experience pain in the jaw and surrounding areas. There is not always a clear cause for the disorder but it can be attributed to actions such as teeth grinding, clenching or dislocation of the jaw.

In LeAnn Rimes’ case, a dislocated jaw was the source of her misery and the reason for the interrupted concert. However, the majority of patients suffering from TMJ can attribute their pain to teeth grinding.

Symptoms of TMD

There are many signs that you may be suffering from TMD. The symptoms of this disorder include:

• Pain in the face, neck or jaw
• Jaw joints locking
• Difficulty opening or closing the mouth
• Clicking sounds when you open your mouth
• Headaches or migraines

If you are suffering from any or all of these symptoms, you may need therapy to control your TMD.

TMJ Therapy at Smile Creations

At Smile Creations we offer TMJ therapy. At our office, Dr. Heck examines your condition to make a thorough diagnosis. Then, he uses a tailored treatment plan that chooses the right therapy methods to treat your case best. His training, attention to detail and overall commitment to your dental health makes him the go-to doctor for TMJ therapy in the Austin, TX area. For more information on TMJ therapy visit Smile Creations or call us today at (512) 280-8800.