Neuromuscular Dentistry and TMJ/TMD Questions
Serving Hannibal and St. Louis, Missouri and Quincy, Illinois areas
TMJ? TMD? What's that?
TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint, the joint located at either side of the mandible, or jaw. TMD stands for temporomandibular joint disorder, in which the TMJ is misaligned and the resulting stress on muscles, teeth, and nerves leads to a number of negative effects. Confusingly, some dentists use the abbreviation TMJ to refer to the disorder as well.
What is neuromuscular dentistry and what does it have to do with TMJ/TMD?
Neuromuscular dentistry is dentistry that works from the understanding that teeth are not isolated components floating in a void, but are part of a complicated system of muscles, bones, blood vessels, and nerves, and seeks whole-mouth solutions to problems that can have far-ranging effects. TMD is one of the conditions most commonly treated by neuromuscular dentists. TMD is sometimes known as "the great imposter" because it can masquerade as anything from migraines to back injuries, and it can often only be positively diagnosed and treated by a trained neuromuscular dentist.
So what are these far-ranging symptoms of TMJ/TMD?
Some of the problems associated with TMD are readily identified as dental problems, such as bite problems, sounds, pain, or difficulty in jaw movement, tooth grinding or uneven wear. Other problems can be harder to pin down, such as:
- Neck or back pain and/or stiffness
- Dizziness
- Pain or ringing in the ears
- Headaches that feel like migraines
- Tingling in the extremities
- Snoring or sleep apnea
If you have been to a doctor for any of the above symptoms, but have not found relief from the recommended course of treatment, it is likely that TMD is your real problem.
What causes TMD?
No one is entirely certain what causes TMD, or why it's so prevalent in the United States (as many as 12 % of Americans suffer from the condition, much higher than some other populations). Theories of causation range from developmental difficulties resulting from chronic nasal congestion as children to adverse outcomes related to tooth eruption to stress. Other theories claim that TMD results from behaviors like chewing foreign objects or sleeping in unnatural positions.
How is TMD treated?
TMD treatment goes through many phases. For mild cases, electronic massage with a TENS machine (Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation), followed by identification of the ideal bite position and manual repositioning may be sufficient. Anti-inflammatory medication, heat and ice applied to the jaw, and reducing stress may also be recommended.
More severe cases may involve the use of an orthotic, repositioning teeth, or rebuilding one or more teeth with dental crowns. In very serious cases, surgery may be recommended.
If you believe you may have TMJ/TMD, it can only be diagnosed by a properly trained neuromuscular dentist. Schedule a neuromuscular dentistry consultation with Dr. Charles Janes in Hannibal, Missouri today.
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
