TMJ Treatment
"TMJ" stands for temporomandibular joint. The TMJs are the small joints in front of each ear that attach the lower jaw to the skull. They allow you to perform such functions as opening and closing your mouth, chewing, speaking and swallowing. TMJ problems are manifested by pain in the muscles along with limitations in the ability to execute normal movements. If you suffer from such pain, neuromuscular dentistry may be the answer to your problems!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is TMJ?
A: TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which is the joint that connects the mandible (lower part of your jaw) to the skull. TMJ disorder (sometimes referred to as TMD) refers to a misaligned temporomandibular joint, and is more common than people think. If you suffer from headaches, jaw pain or tenderness, chipped or cracking teeth, you may be suffering from some form of TMJ.
Everything in your body is interconnected. As medical science progresses, doctors are discovering more and more just how interconnected different parts of your body are! Your jaw, teeth, and facial muscles are no different. An even slightly misaligned bite (malocclusion) can cause your TM Joint to shift out of its ideal position. This often leads to your facial muscles to work harder to move the jaw. This can lead to a whole host of other interrelated issues including poor posture, headaches, and jaw pain. Unfortunately, many individuals suffer from this problem without realizing that there are options to treat it effectively.
Some potential TMJ Symptoms include:
- Headaches or migraines
- Shoulder, back and neck pain
- Tooth loss
- Cracking/chipping fillings and teeth
- Jaw clicking sounds
- Numbness if fingers and arms
- Difficulty chewing and biting
Q: How is TMJ diagnosed?
A: The new tools in advanced neuromuscular dentistry are 3D CT imaging and sophisticated computer analysis of joints and related muscle activity. This new technology has made treatment more effective than ever before. X-ray machines produce a 2D picture of the problem area, showing only half the data needed to make an accurate evaluation. Dr. Imm makes use of advanced 3D imaging which allows him to see the exact position of your temporomanibular joint from every angle imaginable. This is an invaluable tool in diagnosis. Dr. Imm also uses computer analysis of muscle activity and jaw movement to further understand your unique TMJ issues.
Q: What are some options for treatment of TMJ?
After analysis of your jaw position, your dentist can determine the correct position for your jaw. In this position your jaw will be aligned correctly and your muscles will be relaxed. There are a number of options for an individual to achieve and maintain this ideal jaw position.
One option is an orthodontic appliance that an individual can wear to position the jaw correctly. Many patients find the appliance so helpful that they decide to get a permanent appliance to achieve the same result. This is done by using a material to recontour the surface of each tooth to properly align with the opposing tooth. When done correctly, this will cause your jaw to shift into its ideal position.
One of the most exciting options advanced dentistry has to offer is full-mouth reconstruction. This option brings your jaw into ideal alignment while achieving a new, youthful, beautiful smile in the process. With the skilled use of crowns and porcelain veneers, advanced dentists can raise or lower your bite to its anatomically ideal position. When done properly, full mouth reconstruction successfully treats TMJ and the pain associated with it while addressing any cosmetic concerns at the same time.
Q: What is neuromuscular dentistry and why is it important?
A: You may think that dentists only look at your teeth, bone, and gums. If so, then you are right about the majority of dentists practicing today. What you may not know is that there are a group of dentists that look at a much larger picture of your health--neuromuscular dentists. Neuromuscular dentists look at all the aspects that normal dentists do, but also look at the dynamic relationship of the joints, head and neck muscles, and bite. With an understanding of the interrelated and complex nature of the human body neuromuscular dentists are better equipped to handle complex restorative cases and TMJ issues.
Dr. Gary Imm, Cosmetic Dentist - Providing the services of Sedation and Headache Relief Dentistry to the areas of Westminster and Baltimore, Maryland (MD).
1758 Baltimore Blvd. Westminster, MD 21157
Ph. 410.876.2096
© copyright 2007 - 2008, Imm, DDS, all rights reserved
