Temporomandibular Joint Disorder – TMD

San Diego, Encinitas, and Carlsbad, CA.

Temporomandibular joint disorder, often referred to as TMD or TMJ, is a complex dental problem that can be both painful and debilitating. TMD is a chronic degenerative disease that can take years to develop. It affects millions of people, and it is often misdiagnosed.

 

The Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies trains neuromuscular dentists to diagnose and treat TMD. Dr. Walsh-Cole has completed the courses of study at LVI and has successfully treated many patients who suffer from TMD symptoms.

 

What is TMD?

 

Temporomandibular joint disorder can be the result of a misaligned bite or jaw. The teeth, jaw joints, muscles of mastication, and facial nerves must work in harmony to create ideal function. When there is a breakdown in the system, problems can present causing pain. Often these symptoms, such as headaches, jaw pain, neck and shoulder pain, dizziness, ringing in the ears, and clicking or popping sounds in the jaw joints, are not associated with a dental problem.

 

Diagnosis and Treatment

 

The first step in diagnosis is a thorough history and examination. This will include a visual inspection of the teeth and oral tissues, and palpation of the muscles and joints. Dr. Walsh-Cole has sophisticated diagnostic equipment to aid in measuring the muscle activity and finding the most physiological position for the jaw. An ULF-TENS unit (ultra low frequency-transcutaneous electrical neural stimulation) will be used to relax the muscles by increasing blood flow and pumping out waste products. This process will also help with pain relief by stimulating the body’s production of endorphins.

 

Neuromuscular dentists also use state-of-the-art technology, such as the K7 Myomonitor, to track the jaw movements, measure the muscle activity, record jaw joint noise, and measure the jaw-to-skull relationship.

 

This information is used to determine the optimal position of the bite by measuring the most relaxed position of the head and neck muscles. The jaw can then be repositioned to begin the process of healing and pain relief. Options for treatment will vary from patient to patient but may include adjustment of the bite, orthotic or splint therapy, orthodontics, or restorations to correct the position of the teeth.

 

You can read more about the symptoms of neuromuscular dental problems and neuromuscular dentistry, or contact us to schedule a personal consultation.