Neuromuscular Dentistry
& TMD
Hannibal, Missouri
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the lower jaw to the skull. Any time there is some kind of acute or chronic inflammation that causes several often debilitating symptoms, the condition is referred to as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). This area is composed of tendons, muscles and bone. When everything works correctly, the muscles are relaxed and the jaw is able to open and close in comfort. We are able to chew, talk, and yawn without pain.
Symptoms of TMD include:
- Bite problems
- Dizziness
- Ear pain
- Ear congestion
- Grinding, crunching, clicking or popping sounds of the jaw
- Locked jaws
- Headaches that feel like migraines
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
Many conditions may cause TMD. Stress sometimes results in grinding the teeth (bruxism) or clenching the teeth. This wears the lining of the cartilage of the TMJ. Chewing gum or fingernails habitually can often cause jaw problems, as can chewing on only one side of the jaw. Holding the telephone between the head and shoulder for long periods of time, the misalignment or malocclusion of teeth, and a history of jaw fracture or broken facial bones can also cause TMD.
TMD/TMJ Treatment
Approaches to treatment of TMD may include a combination of things such as heat, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, eating soft foods, managing stress, bite therapy, correcting bite abnormalities, and, in some cases, surgery.
Diagnosing TMD requires specialized training that many physicians have not received. Because of this, patients with TMD may be prescribed medication to treat the pain, but little is done to treat the cause of the discomfort. Neuromuscular dentistry is a specialized branch of dentistry that treats the cause as well as the symptoms of the problem.
For more information, see Neuromuscular Dentistry and TMJ/TMD Questions.
Because the appropriate treatment varies from patient to patient, as do the causes and severity of the disorder, you should see an experienced and caring dentist with training in neuromuscular dentistry. If you live in the Hannibal, Missouri area and are in need of a dentist with experience in treating TMD, please contact our neuromuscular dentist at the office of Dr. Charles Janes for a TMD/TMJ consultation.
Charles W. Janes, D.D.S.
Functional Cosmetic Dentistry & Full Mouth Rehabilitation
"Designing Smiles, Enhancing Life"
501 Clinic Rd., Hannibal, Missouri 63401
573.221.3360
