Overview:
WHAT IS “Temporomandibular Joint TMJ” OR “Temporomandibular Disorders TMD”
“TMJ”, although it has become almost a household word, is a non-specific, catch-all-term for a variety of pain/dysfunction conditions of the head and neck. It was originally derived from “Temporomandibular joint”, your jaw joints-once thought to be the source of most of these ailments.
Today we know that there are many causes of head and neck problems that may or may not be related to the Temporomandibular joint. For this reason, although not as widely familiar, most dentists use “TMD” (for Temporomandibular disorders) to more accurately describe the condition. Though common knowledge among dental professionals, many people are not aware that TMJ dentists provide TMJ treatment for common disorders that cause head, jaw and neck pain. Click here to schedule an appointment for a Complimentary Screening and Consultation or your insurance may cover treatment.
You may normally think of a number of the symptoms of TMD as being medical conditions, not related to dentistry. We will explain what they are, why the may involve your dentist, and how the dentist would diagnose and treat them.
Happy Patient – TMD, Headache, Migraine Relief
The Dentists’ Diagnosis
The neuromuscular dentist will consider all of the information gathered by taking your history and doing a physical examination of your teeth, head and neck. When indicated, they may conduct a series of tests using non-invasive electronic instruments, Data from these tests will indicate to your dentist whether your bite is a major contributing factor to your problem and will help rule in or rule out your bite as the cause of, or major component of, your condition.
If these tests show that your habitual bite is a probable cause of your condition or pain, the neuromuscular dentist then identifies a jaw position while the jaw muscles are in a relaxed state. This jaw position and the corresponding new bite is called neuromuscular occlusion.
TMJ/TMD Testimonial
Contact us to schedule a complimentary consultation to see how Dr. Zamani can transform your smile with youth-restoring techniques that will change your life. We have two locations to serve you – Sherman Oaks and Irvine, CA.
Could You Be Suffering From Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)?
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF TMD
Pain or dysfunction of the head and neck is a very common condition and one that might be resolved very simply or might be very complex and frustrating to treat, depending upon the circumstances. A TMJ dentist can help to determine the cause of the pain.
The bite can be a factor in many types of pain or functional problems because of the inter-relationship of the overall musculoskeletal system. Since there is a relationship between the teeth, jaw joints, head and neck muscles and head posture, a problem in any one of these areas may affect others. These can include painful clicking or popping of the jaw joint, various types of head and neck pain, swallowing problems, postural problems, and excessive snoring or sleep apnea, to mention a few.
If it is suspected that you suffer from this type of problem, the neuromuscular dentist may ask you if you have any of the symptoms shown below.
Musculoskeletal Signs and Symptoms
- Headaches
- Jaw joint pain
- Jaw joint noise or clicking
- Limited mouth opening
- Ear congestion
- Dizziness
- Ringing in the ears
- Difficulty swallowing
- Loose teeth
- Clenching or grinding
- Facial pan
- Sensitive teeth
- Chewing difficulties
- Neck pain
- Postural problems
- Tingling of the fingertips
- Hot and cold sensitivity of teeth
- Nervousness or insomnia
In addition, they will be looking for a number of signs in your posture, appearance and condition of your teeth, and existing bite that might aid in diagnosis. An imperfect bite often plays a significant role in these conditions and the dentist experienced in treating them may resolve the problem. However, diagnosing these problems can be very difficult at times and may require the collective efforts of your dentist and other health care professionals.
These may include your physician, an ear, nose and throat specialist, physical therapist, chiropractor, or massage therapist, to name just a few.
TMJ/TMD Treatment
An orthotic is a custom made appliance fabricated of plastic that can be worn over or the fixed to the teeth to maintain the neuromuscularly derived bite position. At this point, nothing is done to permanently alter your teeth or your bite. You typically wear this plastic appliance for prescribe period of time to verify that this new jaw position solves or reduces the problem. If it does, it has proven that the imperfect bite was the cause of problem and you may elect to go on and have your natural teeth treated to permanently maintain that new bite position.
If symptoms are not substantially alleviated, the bite position is most likely not the cause of the problem. Your natural bite has not been altered and other causes may then be further explored. ( although this latter circumstance is possible, it is not likely since the dentist will only proceed with an orthotic if there are strong indications that the bite is a major factor in your problem.
Click here for a Complimentary Screening and Consultation or your insurance may cover treatment.