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The Best Type of TMJ Specialist to See for TMJ Pain

Feb 09, 2021

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) are complex medical conditions that can be caused–and compounded–by a variety of factors. They can also impact multiple areas, producing pain in your jaw, teeth, facial muscles, neck, ears, head, and more. All of this can make TMDs difficult to diagnose, especially on your own or without the help of a specialist. A TMJ specialist can help you determine the source of your jaw pain, diagnose TMD, and treat the root causes of your condition.

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What is TMD?

TMD is a disorder that stems from dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) that leads to TMJ and orofacial pain. Statistics show that between 5 and 12% of individuals live with a form of TMD. Most disorders that cause chronic pain impact middle-aged and older adults, but temporomandibular joint disorders can happen at any age, including children and young adults.


TMJ pain occurs twice as often in women as compared to men. In particular, women taking hormonal medications such as oral contraceptives or supplemental estrogen often seek care from a specialist treating TMJ disorders.


While jaw pain is the most prominent and common symptom of a TMJ disorder, this condition can also lead to problems in the orofacial area. TMJ disorders are also usually characterized by the following:



Dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint is considered the source of the chronic pain that a patient with TMJ disorders experiences. There is a range of reasons why someone might develop TMJ problems. Some causes of TMD include:


  • Arthritis of the TMJ
  • Dislocation of the ball-and-socket joint within the jaw
  • Chronic teeth grinding or jaw clenching, also known as bruxism
  • Stress
  • A family history of TMJ problems
  • Connective tissue disorders that affect the jaw, such as lupus erythema or Sjogren's disease
  • Injury or other trauma (such as surgery) to the jaw
  • Craniofacial disorders
  • Musculoskeletal disorders


In some cases, multiple causes leading up to a diagnosis of TMD. This makes it crucial to work with a qualified TMJ specialist who can accurately determine the cause of a patient's TMJ problems and offer the most appropriate treatment options.

What Happens if TMD goes Untreated?

If someone does not receive timely intervention from a specialist treating TMJ disorders, the chronic pain, discomfort, and muscle tension of TMJ disorders or TMD can lead to more significant physical and emotional health concerns.


TMJ and TMD symptoms are unlikely to improve without treatment, and they can affect all aspects of your life, contributing to things like:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Nightmares
  • Sleep apnea
  • Insomnia
  • Increased stress


By disrupting your sleep, TMJ disorder can also increase your risk of developing major health concerns like heart disease, obesity, stroke, and diabetes. Poor sleep and increased stress can compromise your immune system—making you more susceptible to illness–and impact your libido.


If you are living with the symptoms of a TMJ disorder, it's best to seek treatment from a qualified professional. Depending on the specific concerns you are experiencing, several specialists – even some that you already know – treat TMJ. This is the best way to avoid TMD's long-term effects from negatively impacting how you live your life.

What is the Negative Impact of TMD on Quality of Life?

The adverse effects of TMD are often far-reaching and extend to all areas of a person's life. Poor sleep is just one of the negative outcomes that can result from untreated TMD. Patients with TMJ problems often experience nightmares, sleep apnea, and insomnia. Long-term sleep deprivation can increase the risk of heart disease, obesity, stroke, diabetes, and other major health concerns.


Lack of proper sleep also causes imbalanced cortisol levels, which can lead someone to have difficulty managing stress. Poor sleep, compounded with high-stress levels, compromises someone's immune system and makes them more susceptible to illness. When someone does not get the proper amount of restful sleep, they are more likely to develop depression and a decreased sex drive. 



Depression, anxiety, and lower libido can impair a person's relationships and interactions with others. Someone in constant discomfort is also more likely to demonstrate irritability and frustration, which can further hurt those around them. No one likes living in misery, especially not if there is a way to get help and put concerns like chronic pain from TMD behind them. This is why seeking care for something as treatable as TMD is crucial.

Who can treat TMJ disorders or TMD?

General practitioners are often the first point of contact for a patient suffering from TMJ disorders. These doctors meet with their patients often and may know there is a problem but may need to gain the specific knowledge or expertise necessary to treat TMJ problems effectively. Suppose you are suffering from symptoms of TMD. In that case, a general practitioner can refer you to a specialist and prescribe pain medication or muscle relaxants that can temporarily relieve TMJ symptoms until you visit the specialist.


General and cosmetic dentists and orthodontists are often among the first to notice the symptoms of TMJ or TMD in their patients. However, they also usually lack the in-depth knowledge to treat TMJ effectively and will typically refer those patients to a specialist.

What is a TMD or TMJ Specialist?

A TMJ specialist is a dentist board-certified in orofacial pain and treating TMJ disorders and TMD. Because TMJ disorders can be complex and multifactorial, you may need treatment from experts in other fields to address and treat your unique situation. A TMJ specialist will use their extensive knowledge of TMD and treatment options to create a comprehensive plan that may include insights and care from other doctors.


For example, if your TMJ disorder is causing unmanageable headaches, a neurologist may be able to help coordinate a part of your treatment solution.


If your TMD is related to or causing another condition, such as sleep apnea, your TMJ specialist can work with a sleep physician.


A TMJ specialist can also manage referrals for–any direct or oversee treatment plans with –other medical experts and physicians like:

  • Rheumatologists focus on rheumatism and conditions such as arthritis. These providers have specialized knowledge of the body's joints, muscles, and ligaments.
  • Pain management specialists focus on making chronic pain (including joint pain) more manageable.
  • Physical therapy providers (including physical therapists and physical therapy assistants) rehabilitate patients by increasing their range of motion and reducing pain. When combined with splinting therapy, physical therapy can be a highly beneficial TMJ treatment.
  • Myofunctional therapists work only with the mouth, tongue, and face muscles and focus on training proper breathing, speaking, chewing, and swallowing.
  • Otolaryngologists (or ENTs) focus on ear, nose, and throat disorders. Patients with TMD may also experience sinus and ear pain.
  • Oral and maxillofacial surgeons treat conditions specifically associated with the muscles, joints, and ligaments in the maxillofacial region.


What is the Prognosis for TMJ Syndrome?

The prognosis for TMJ disorder is generally good when the condition is correctly diagnosed and treated. TMJ disorder is often discovered by a general doctor or, more frequently, your dentist. Your doctor or dentist may first rule out other conditions, then further discuss your symptoms and examine your jaw.


During the TMJ examination, your doctor will most likely:


  • Listen to and feel your jaw when you open and close your mouth.
  • Examine the range of motion of your jaw
  • Press on your face around your jaw to identify sites of pain or discomfort


Your doctor might prescribe additional tests to confirm the diagnosis. This could include dental x-rays, a CT scan for more detailed images of the joint, or an MRI to search for problems with the joint's disc or surrounding soft tissue. TMJ arthroscopy is sometimes used in the diagnosis of TMJ disorder. During the procedure, your doctor inserts a small thin tube (cannula) into the joint space, and a small camera (arthroscope) is then inserted to view the area and to help determine a diagnosis.


What are the Treatments for TMJ Disorder?


After diagnosis, you may be referred to a specialist to determine the best way to treat your TMD. Most patients are relieved to know that most TMJ disorder treatments are non-surgical. Many TMD sufferers find that relieving jaw pain can be accomplished through home remedies.


Some of the most effective home remedies for TMJ disorder include:


  • Ice or cold packs applied to the painful joint
  • Moist heat from a heat pack, warm water bottle, or damp towel applied to the area.
  • Eat soft foods and avoid chewing gum.
  • Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), aspirin, or acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  • Massage or gentle self-stretching of the jaw and neck muscles (this may be something you do alone after learning from a doctor or physical therapist)
  • Relaxation and stress management techniques
  • Exercises to increase mobility and strengthen your jaw as prescribed by your doctor
  • Wearing mouth guards at night as prescribed by your doctor


Professional treatments are available when TMJ pain relief isn't something you can take care of alone. It would be best if you didn't try to "get used to the pain" or ignore it. Complications of long-term TMJ syndrome can include the chronic joint, face, and ear pain or migraines. If associated with other inflammatory disorders, long-term treatment may be necessary. Your specific treatment may depend on the cause of your TMD, where your pain is located, and your chosen treatment.


Your doctor may recommend one or more of these treatments to relieve your TMJ pain:


  • Prescription Medications: If OTC pain medications fail to relieve your symptoms, your TMJ specialist may recommend prescription pain medications. muscle relaxants, or anti-inflammatories.
  • Dental Splint Therapy: Dental splints can correct joint compression issues and provide pressure and pain relief while providing a cushion for your teeth.
  • Bite Orthotics: Digital impressions and CT scans allow us to create customized bite orthotics that reduce unnecessary strain on the TMJ. 
  • Physical Therapy: Specific physical exercises and therapy methods are one of the most effective ways to retrain the joint to function correctly by restoring strength in crucial areas. Your doctor or physical therapist may practice these exercises with you until you are comfortable doing them at home.


Although an initial TMJ disorder diagnosis might seem frightening, the tests and treatment associated with TMD are typically non-invasive and very effective for long-term relief. If you have jaw pain or other facial pain that could be associated with TMJ syndrome, it's essential to seek treatment for your symptoms.

Make Sure to Carefully Choose Your TMJ Specialist

 Since TMJ disorders are so complex, the most important thing when searching for a professional to treat your TMJ problems is to find someone who focuses their practice on this disorder and uses only effective research-based treatment modalities. Unfortunately, there is no regulated body for treating TMD.


Dentists and orthodontists can only treat TMJ disorders with significant knowledge and training. There are no shortcuts to effective TMJ treatment, and credentialing is one way to ensure you have found a dentist with the proper training, experience, and knowledge necessary to provide effective treatment.


When choosing your TMJ specialist, take these steps to ensure you're working with a highly trained professional with long-term experience treating TMJ disorders:


  • Check certifications. Beyond a dental degree, your TMJ specialist may have specialized training in orofacial pain.
  • Consider experience. You should determine how long your specialist has been practicing and if they frequently treat similar cases.
  • Seek patient reviews. Patients who take the time to provide positive reviews and details about their treatment can be excellent resources for new patients.
  • Determine your exact location radius. For example, if you are in the center of Houston, Texas, how far would you be comfortable traveling from there to see a specialist: 10 miles, 20 miles, 50 miles, or more?
  • Identify preferences. Identify any preferences you have related to the specialist's gender, hospital affiliation, and primary language.
  • Gather your medical records. Any documents you have relating to attempts to resolve your TMD would help find a resolution.
  • Make your first appointment. Call the office and ask the medical secretary if you need to provide any other information before the visit.
  • Get a second opinion. After your visit, feel free to seek a second opinion if you are uncomfortable with the results or feel you would get better care elsewhere. Your health is essential, so you should feel at ease advocating for yourself and the respect you deserve.

Who Should I Book an Appointment With?

Double Board Certified in Dental Sleep Medicine and Orofacial Pain, Dr. Katherine S. Phillips has spent most of her career treating patients with TMD and TMJ disorders. For over a decade, Dr. Phillips has helped thousands of people suffering from bruxism, TMD, and other related orofacial conditions like sleep apnea live healthier happier lives.


  1. Phillips' credentials also include the following:
  2. B.S. from the University of Michigan
  3. D.D.S. from the University of Detroit, Mercy School of Dentistry
  4. M.S. in Orofacial Pain from the University of Southern California's Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry
  5. Board Certified Sleep Dentist and Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine
  6. Board Certified Orofacial Pain Specialist and Diplomate of the American Board of Orofacial Pain
  7. Past President of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (ABDSM)
  8. Past member of the Annual Meeting Committee for the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) from 2014 to 2016
  9. Chair of the Introduction to Dental Sleep Medicine Course offered by the AADSM
  10. Contributor to the Consensus Committee to develop a formal definition for an oral appliance and co-author of the accompanying support paper
  11. Led a Dental Sleep Medicine shadowing program for Sleep Physician Fellows at Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, and Baylor College of Medicine.


Unlike general dentists, Dr. Phillips has dedicated her entire practice to treating TMD and sleep breathing disorders like obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. By combining her extensive experience and education with an established network of trusted healthcare providers, Dr. Phillips can develop and direct the comprehensive, personalized treatment you deserve for a future free from the jaw and facial pain.


If you or a loved one are suffering from the pain and symptoms of TMJ disorders or TMD, call REstore TMJ & Sleep Therapy in The Woodlands, TX, today at 281-296-6797 to schedule a no-obligation consultation. You can also use our convenient appointment form or contact us here.


You don't have to live with TMD or TMJ disorders. Treat the pain and the underlying causes of your pain today at REstore TMJ & Sleep Therapy for a better tomorrow.

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Dr. Kathrine Phillips
About The Author
Dr. Katherine Phillips, DDS, MS received her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and her dental degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry. She currently serves as the Secretary/Treasurer on the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (ABDSM) Board of Directors and treats TMD and sleep disordered breathing at Restore TMJ & Sleep Therapy in the Houston, TX area. 
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By manager 02 Mar, 2023
Teeth grinding is the most common cause of jaw pain. Grinding your teeth also results in fractured teeth and the destruction of dental work, which can even change how you look. People who grind their teeth during the day can make conscious changes to reduce their teeth grinding for those who grind their teeth at night . Fortunately, with a visit to Dr. Phillips, you can discover how to stop grinding your teeth. What is Teeth Grinding, and What Causes it? Grinding or clenching your teeth, or bruxism , is a common condition affecting millions of people and, if left untreated, can lead to broader health issues. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), a 2020 ADA Health Policy Institute report stated that half of the dentists saw a rise in clients with stress-related dental problems, primarily due to teeth grinding and jaw clenching. It can happen during the day or night and often goes unnoticed until the person is alerted by a partner or family member. Treating bruxism can prevent further damage to the teeth and relieve any symptoms associated with the condition, and there are several steps you can take to stop grinding your teeth and protect your oral health. People grind and clench their teeth for various reasons, including stress and anxiety, misalignment of the teeth and jaw, or an abnormal bite. In adults, teeth grinding is often caused by emotional tension and stress and can become a subconscious habit. In children, teeth grinding is usually due to an immature bite and can be triggered by new teeth erupting or the recent placement of braces. How Do You Know if You're Grinding or Clenching Your Teeth? Grinding or clenching your teeth can be challenging to identify since it usually happens when you are unconscious or sleeping. However, several signs could indicate you are grinding your teeth. Common symptoms of teeth grinding include: Waking up with a sore jaw Frequent headaches Increased sensitivity or pain in your teeth Tired or tight jaw muscles Pain that feels like an earache, but there is nothing wrong with your ear A locked jaw that is difficult to open or close completely Neck or face pain Noticing that your teeth feel different or worn down You or your sleep partner may also notice that you make clenching or grinding sounds during the night. At a dental appointment, your dentist may suspect teeth grinding if you have the following: Teeth that are chipped, loose, flattened, or fractured Worn enamel on your teeth Gum recession Possible Causes of Teeth Grinding Many people grind their teeth and tighten their jaws without realizing it, especially at night. Although stress and anxiety can lead to teeth grinding, other common causes are: Posture. Poor posture is not only horrible for your back; it's also bad for your teeth. When the body's joints aren't in proper alignment, it can result in jaw clenching and grinding. Misaligned teeth. If the upper and lower teeth don't fit together correctly, the misalignment may result in the tendency to grind teeth or clench jaw muscles. Sleep disorders. Sleep habits and sleep disorders can lead to teeth grinding at night. Chronic obstructive sleep disorder , also known as sleep apnea , is a known cause of sleep bruxism. Resolving sleep apnea can help stop teeth grinding. Sleep terrors and insomnia may also result in grinding teeth at night. Joint disorders. The temporomandibular region is around the jaw, mouth, and ears. This area contains the temporomandibular joints and jaw muscles, which allow the jaw to open and close. Disorders in this area can affect teeth grinding and a sore jaw. Stimulants. Stimulants like caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol can trigger teeth grinding. Avoiding these can help prevent teeth grinding. Stress. Stress is a common cause of teeth grinding and clenching. Finding ways to manage and reduce stress can help decrease teeth grinding. These can include relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, yoga, deep breathing, meditation, and guided imagery can help relax the jaw muscles and stop teeth grinding. Chewing on Objects. Chewing on objects such as pencils or fingernails can trigger teeth grinding. You may also need to avoid chewing gum, which can exacerbate teeth grinding. Finding out how to stop grinding teeth at night takes getting to the root cause of grinding. Discovering the cause provides clues, pointing to the appropriate solutions. Prevent teeth grinding during the day. It is crucial to identify triggers that cause teeth grinding if you intend to stop grinding them during the day. Pay attention to your habits during the day and see if you notice when and if your grinding or clenching is worse. A TMJ specialist or dentist specializing in bruxism can provide you with exercises or relaxation techniques you can do throughout the day if you notice yourself clenching and, in some cases, offer medical treatment like muscle relaxants or Botox for bruxism. Prevent teeth grinding and clenching at night/in your sleep. You'll have to make changes during the day to stop grinding or clenching your teeth at night or in your sleep. Start by talking to your dentist or doctor to determine if you have underlying medical issues that could be causing the grinding. Additionally, your dentist may suggest you wear a mouthguard, splint, or other oral appliance. At the same time, you sleep to protect your teeth from further damage and keep your mouth in the proper alignment, helping your TMJ to relax. A custom-fitted mouthguard also helps lessen the impact of teeth grinding by covering the teeth to create a physical barrier that reduces damage. How To Stop Child/Baby Grinding Teeth Many children grind their teeth at night, but most grow out of it. If your child or baby grinds their teeth, the first thing to do is identify what might be causing the behavior. Stress, anxiety, or an underlying medical condition can cause your child to grind their teeth. If the grinding is stress-related, identifying and addressing the source of the stress, such as an overly demanding school schedule or peer pressure, may help. If a medical or dental condition causes the grinding, your child's dentist or doctor can help you determine the best action. If the grinding results from a habit, it can help redirect your child's attention when they start to grind and provide them with other activities that may help reduce their stress and anxiety. Side Effects of Teeth Grinding Grinding your teeth may seem like a harmless habit. After all, it's easier to notice this behavior if you're not on the lookout for it. And unless your significant other or family members complain about the noise from your nighttime teeth grinding, it's difficult to find proof of the act. However, long-term grinding of teeth at night can lead to significant side effects like: Pain in the jaw. The pressure and movement from teeth can lead to tenderness in the muscles, causing jaw pain . For some people, the pain may become chronic and severe. Headaches. The constant back-and-forth movement and clenching can impact the muscles around the neck and head, resulting in headaches due to muscle fatigue and tension. Wearing down teeth. Like sandpaper eventually smooths a surface, the repetitive motion from teeth grinding can flatten teeth and wear the enamel down over time. Teeth grinding can change the appearance of your teeth, causing them to look shorter and making chewing more difficult. Damage or fractured teeth. Grinding can destabilize teeth, making them shift and feel wobbly. The force from grinding may also crack teeth, causing pain and affecting oral health. Misalignment and cracked teeth can result in gum disease, cavities, and tooth loss — leading to poor overall health. Chronic ear pain. The temporomandibular area is closely connected. If the muscles around the ear become affected due to teeth grinding, chronic ear pain may occur. Facial muscle changes. Most people need to be aware that teeth grinding can change the shape of your face. Long-term bruxism can cause shorter teeth. Shorter teeth, in turn, change the structure of the face and jaw — leading to a sunken appearance. In addition, other muscles around the face can enlarge to compensate for dental changes. If you're concerned about your appearance, you may want to note that chronic teeth grinding can change the way you look. Remedies for Teeth Grinding The methods for how to stop teeth grinding at night versus teeth grinding when you are awake are typically the same. Although some treatments aren't quite possible when you're asleep, their benefits can last even after you've gone to bed. Reductive coronoplasty. Reductive coronoplasty directly involves changing or leveling the biting surface of teeth. This procedure reshapes crowded or crooked teeth, improving teeth alignment. Conversely, additive coronoplasty can add to the surface of teeth to help treat bruxism. Dental Appliances: Mouthguards, night guards, and splints. A mouthguard does just that — it guards teeth. Typically used for sports, a mouth guard keeps teeth from injuries sustained during activity. A night guard protects teeth from grinding at night. Lastly, a bit splint guides jaw movement, enabling the jaw to land in the appropriate position. These appliances protect teeth differently, and finding the right one for your situation is essential. Biofeedback. Biofeedback allows a person to train themselves by monitoring auditory and visual stimuli from the body. Although biofeedback needs a person to be alert, the technique can still help sleep bruxism by reducing overall stress. Stress reduction techniques. Though implementing stress reduction techniques such as yoga, exercise, and meditation requires a person to be awake, they can also help with nighttime teeth grinding. Allowing muscles to decompress and relieve tension alleviates stress-induced teeth grinding, even at night. Tongue and jaw muscle exercises. Most people don't stop to think about it, but their faces and mouth are a team of tissue, muscles, bones, and joints that closely affect each other. The tongue, for example, affects how the jaw moves. You reduce teeth grinding by exercising the right muscles — like the tongue and jaw. Behavior changes. Behavioral modifications like changing your posture and avoiding environments that cause stress can reduce instances of teeth grinding. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help change behavior and thought patterns that lead to teeth grinding. Medications. A doctor can prescribe medication to help treat bruxism if all other treatments don't work. When used for short periods, muscle relaxants can relieve tension in the temporomandibular area. In severe cases of teeth grinding, botox injections can alleviate muscle tension. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications assist in decreasing anxiety, allowing jaw muscles to relax and reduce bruxism. How Can a TMJ Specialist Help with Teeth Grinding and Clenching? A TMJ specialist is a dentist board-certified in orofacial pain and conditions affecting the TMJ. TMJ specialists have extensive knowledge and experience regarding the structure, function, and pathology of TMJ. In addition to more thorough diagnostic evaluations, they can often provide more effective and long-term solutions for teeth grinding than your doctor or dentist alone. This is because TMJ specialists use a holistic approach to treatment, focusing on the underlying causes of the teeth grinding, such as stress, anxiety, or misaligned teeth, rather than just treating the symptoms. They often work with other medical experts like dentists or sleep physicians for more comprehensive care and treatment. Protecting Your Oral Health Protecting your teeth is critical to taking care of your overall health. Chronic teeth grinding can result in costly dental work, poor oral health, and chronic pain. If you're experiencing a sore jaw, headaches, or cracked teeth, seeking an expert diagnosis to find the cause is the first step to finding a solution. Get the answers you need on how to stop grinding your teeth at night or keep from grinding in the daytime to protect your oral health. As a TMJ and sleep apnea dentist, Dr. Katherine Phillips specializes in diagnosing and treating bruxism. With her Master of Science in Orofacial Pain From USC and extensive experience in TMJ therapy, Dr. Phillips utilizes proven and effective evidence-based medical interventions to identify bruxism and help find the right treatments to suit your needs. Get in touch today for more information.
By manager 16 Dec, 2022
The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is an anatomically complex joint, composed of muscles, joints, ligaments, bones, and discs. Proper jaw movement requires a high level of interaction and coordination among all these components, especially the articular disc (which absorbs stress), the adductors (jaw-closing muscles), the abductors (jaw-opening muscles), and jaw ligaments. This makes diagnosing problems or dysfunction with the TMJ extremely difficult. Properly diagnosing disorders of the TMJ—collectively referred to as TMD—requires both clinical examinations and medical imaging in order to develop an accurate assessment of the joint, its function, and its surrounding bone and tissue. If you are experiencing pain, discomfort, or dysfunction in your TMJ, you will first have a clinical evaluation. This is when your doctor or TMJ specialist will discuss your symptoms with you and examine your jaw, pressing on areas around it to identify any sensitivity. He or she will also observe the range of motion of your jaw and listen to and feel around your jaw while you open and close your mouth. In some cases, the doctor’s clinical findings are enough to diagnose a TMD and begin treatment. Other times, additional diagnostic imaging will be necessary to confirm the presence of a TMD.
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