Neuromuscular Dentistry – TMJ
Treatment
Neuromuscular dentistry is dental treatment that focuses on correcting jaw misalignment. Inside your mouth are two joints — one on each side — that connect your jawbone to your skull. They are called temporomandibular joints, which is often abbreviated as TMJ. These joints are right in front of your ears and include a small cartilage disk that cushions the two bones so they can glide smoothly and allow you to chew and speak comfortably.
Temporomandibular disorder or dysfunction (TMD) is a problem with the joint leading to pain in your jaw and in the muscles around it that control movement. It may be difficult to determine the exact cause of TMD, because it can come from a variety of factors, including:
- Genetics that predispose you to TMJ disorders
- Arthritis that causes the cartilage to wear down
- Jaw injury that damages the cartilage or bones
The most common symptoms you will experience if you have TMD include:
- Chronic jaw pain
- Pain while chewing or speaking
- Aching facial pain
- Headaches or migraines
- Ringing in your ears
- Sensitive or sore teeth
- Worn or cracked teeth
- Limited jaw movement (locked jaw)
- Sharp pain in your neck and shoulders
- Numbness and tingling in your fingers and arms
- Clicking, popping or grating sounds when you open and close your mouth
- Problems sleeping
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Fibromyalgia
- Depression
Treating TMJ Disorders
Around 10 million Americans suffer from TMJ disorders every year, but the good news is that most people can effectively manage the pain and discomfort with nonsurgical treatments. Surgery may be necessary for some, but it is often a last resort.
At Young Family Dental, our dentist starts with an examination to diagnose your TMD. We listen to and feel your jaw opening, identify areas of discomfort or pain, and observe how well you can move your jaw. We may also recommend dental X-rays, a CT scan or an MRI to get a better look at your teeth, jawbone, muscles and other tissues in and around your joint.
Most TMJ disorders can be treated with over-the-counter pain medication (such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen), ice and heat to reduce swelling and relieve pain. Depending on your diagnosis, the dentist may also recommend other medications that have been shown to help relieve tooth grinding (bruxism), or prescribe muscle relaxants for short-term relief of muscle spasms leading to TMJ pain.
In addition to medication, the dentist may recommend an oral splint or mouthguard to help keep your jaw in place and avoid teeth grinding. Other nonsurgical treatments that can be effective for some people include physical therapy to stretch and strengthen your jaw muscles and even counseling or other therapy to try and better cope with stress or other factors contributing to teeth clenching or grinding.
Visit Young Family Dental Today
The talented team of dentists at Young Family Dental uses neuromuscular dentistry techniques to focus on treating facial and jaw muscles, restoring them to optimal positions and relieving pain associated with joint dysfunction. We can help anyone suffering from TMD find relief. Schedule an appointment at our Utah dental offices in West Jordan, Riverton, American Fork, Saratoga Springs or Orem to learn more about how neuromuscular dentistry and TMJ treatment can help you.
