San Francisco and Marin CA
There are approximately 350 joints in the human body. The temporomandibular joint, which is located on either side of the head, connects the jaw to the skull and controls the ability of the jaws to open and close. If your temporomandibular joint malfunctions, it can cause an assortment of significant problems: affecting your ability to eat, get proper sleep and also lead to potentially debilitating pain. Any condition that causes the temporomandibular joint to malfunction is known as TMJ disorder. Even with all the advances in medical science and technology, proper diagnosis and treatment of TMJ disorder can be a challenge. As a result, many people who have been diagnosed likely have questions about their condition. That’s why, today on the blog, we seek to answer some of the most frequent questions we are asked at Glen Park Dental about TMJ disorder.
What causes TMJ disorder?
A variety of different issues and factors can create TMJ disorder.
These may include any of the following:
- An injury to the jaw, temporomandibular joint, or the muscles of the head and neck
- Teeth grinding or clenching, also known as bruxism
- Arthritis in the temporomandibular joint
- Stress
What are the symptoms of TMJ disorder?
The symptoms of TMJ disorder can vary widely from person to person. This is why many individuals who suffer from the condition never receive a proper diagnosis or get misdiagnosed. For example, TMJ disorder can cause tension headaches that may be misidentified as migraines, due to the frequency with which they occur and the severe pain they can provoke.
Pain, in fact, is one almost universal symptom of TMJ disorder. However, this pain may emanate from the face, jaws, neck or shoulders.
Other symptoms of TMJ disorder may include:
- Hearing a clicking or popping sound when the jaws open and close
- Limits in the range of motion in the jaws, including lockjaw
- Difficulty chewing
- Misaligned bite
- Ringing or congestion in the ears
- Tingling in the extremities
How is TMJ disorder diagnosed?
A neuromuscular dentist is the most qualified medical professional to diagnose and treat a case of TMJ disorder. Neuromuscular dentists study the alignment of the bite and jaws on an advanced level, and this discipline is only taught on a post-graduate level following the completion of dental school. Our neuromuscular dentists in Oakland may use a device called BioPak as part of treatment; this system pairs joint sonography and electromyography to determine the optimum alignment of the bite and jaws.
How is TMJ disorder treated?
We use some of the most advanced dental technologies available to diagnose and treat TMJ disorder. Our T-Scan provides computerized image maps of the entire bite, including possible pressure points that may be causing pain or creating problems. Our TENS unit uses low-frequency electrical impulses to relax compressed or overly tight jaw muscles.
In most cases, we treat TMJ disorder in San Francisco through the use of orthotics and oral appliances. The patient is supplied with a customized mouthpiece, made from the specific impressions of their teeth and mouth. Once worn, the orthotic restores the ideal alignment of the jaws and eliminates whatever is causing the temporomandibular joint to malfunction. This treatment, over time, also alleviates any pain or other problems that have developed as a consequence of TMJ disorder.
Neuromuscular dentistry in San Francisco and Marin, California
Stop living with the pain that TMJ disorder can cause. Schedule an appointment with one of the neuromuscular dentists at Glen Park Dental today. Just call (415) 585-1500 or contact us online.
