Neuromuscular Dentists Can Relieve TMJ Disorder

 TMJ disorder can cause debilitating symptoms, but thankfully, it is treatable. Trained neuromuscular dentists can relieve many of the most common symptoms.

But in a national study released in 2020, the national academies found most health care professionals have minimal training on TMJ disorders and patients are often harmed by escalating treatments that start with splints or dental work and end with multiple surgeries.

Neuromuscular Dentistry

Neuromuscular dentistry enhances traditional dentistry by taking into account the relationship between muscles, jaws and joints. TMJ pain and other problems in the head, neck, face and jaw often originate from overstressed muscles that develop myofascial trigger points. By evaluating the function of these muscles and joints, neuromuscular dentists can find a better balance between a patient’s teeth and jaws to alleviate these problems.

The neuromuscular technique expands the traditional mechanical dental paradigm that evaluates only teeth and joint position to include a comprehensive evaluation of the complex relationships between the temporomandibular (TMJ) joints, masticatory muscles and skull. This allows us to locate a “true physiological rest” position that minimizes the need for muscle to accommodate and compensate. This in turn reduces TMJ symptoms such as clenching, grinding, clicking or popping of the jaw. It also reduces the likelihood of occlusal and bite restoration failures. This is a significant benefit for patients with a poor bite.

Orthodontics

The two temporomandibular joints are located on both sides of your face and connect your lower jaw to your skull. They enable side-to-side movement, but structural problems can affect their function and cause pain. TMJ disorders may develop as a result of an injury to your head or neck, teeth grinding, a naturally crooked jaw, or a habit that requires the muscles to work harder, such as opening your mouth wide while eating.

Orthodontics focuses on the diagnosis, prevention and correction of teeth and jaw irregularities. A skilled orthodontist is able to reduce or eliminate jaw pain associated with misaligned teeth and can improve chewing and speech function and decrease the risk of gum disease. A properly aligned bite also makes it easier to clean teeth and reduces the chance of tooth decay.

Oral Appliances

The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is the critical hinge that allows movements involved in chewing, speaking and yawning. When it becomes dysfunctional, the consequences are serious, ranging from jaw pain to a decreased ability to move the jaw with TMJ specialist Thibodaux la.

Oral appliances (also known as splints or mouth guards) are effective in treating TMJ problems by maintaining the lower jaw in a more neutral position, alleviating strain on the joint and preventing behaviors that exacerbate TMJ conditions like teeth clenching and grinding. These devices also provide relief from snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea.

Our dentists will conduct a clinical evaluation and digital or physical impressions to create an appliance that fits your mouth perfectly. We will schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure proper fit and make adjustments as needed. Patients may need to acclimate to the device, and initially experience minor discomfort or changes in their jaw function. However, these side effects are typically short-lived.

Surgical Intervention

Surgical intervention can be needed to treat more severe TMJ disorders, such as jaw dislocations and nonreducible disc herniations. These procedures are performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons and are used to correct the bite, treat deformities and reconstruct the jaws. Typically, this is reserved for patients with TMJ disorder who don’t improve after more conservative treatments.

TMJ problems can be difficult to diagnose without the help of a trained neuromuscular dentist. They examine the muscles, nerves and supporting structures of the jaw to find out what is causing the dysfunction. Then, they use a combination of TMJ treatment and therapy to alleviate the symptoms.

Whether your tooth broke, a filling fell out or you are experiencing terrible jaw pain, you need a dental expert right away. Visit one of the emergency dentists in Thibodaux to get quick relief for your urgent dental problem. They offer same-day appointments for cracked teeth, chipped teeth, wisdom tooth extractions and more.