TMJ Therapy

Do you have a debilitating headache or an unbearable facial pain you have been suffering for a long? You might be suffering from TMJ disorder or TMD; it’s estimated that tens of millions of men, women, and children suffer from these conditions, many of whom have no knowledge of their condition or how to seek treatments from a TMJ Doctor or Dentist.

The temporomandibular joint or TMJ is the joint that allows the lower jaw to open and close. The TMJ is a hanging joint, and it functions differently than any other joint in the body. The TMJ joint rotates like most joints in the body, but it also slides forward to allow for the increased opening during eating. This process is called translation, and it essentially is a controlled dislocation.

However, this translation of the mandible is the source of some of the problems that are associated with the temporomandibular joint. This condition is commonly referred to as TMJ disorder, medically called TMD or “temporomandibular dysfunction.”

For the joint to accomplish this complex translation movement, it needs multiple muscles and a cartilaginous disc in the joint to act together. This activity allows the mandible to open and close without any limitation, clicking, or pain. Any defect of the disc or muscles will result in TMD.

TMJ Symptoms.

Here are a few symptoms that can help determine whether or not you suffer from TMJ:

 

  • Headaches.
  • Facial pain.
  • Jaw pain or soreness.
  • Pressure or pain in the ears or behind the eyes.
  • Sinus pain and pressure.
  • Pain in the neck or upper shoulder.
  • Sore teeth.
  • Loose teeth.
  • Jaw locking when you open and close your mouth.
  • Numbness in the fingers or hands

 

The reason for these signs and symptoms can be a bad bite, trauma to the jaw, arthritis, systemic disease, congenital anomalies, and grinding. Due to the complex nature of the temporomandibular joint, the correct diagnosis can be difficult. If not treated, TMJ condition may worsen with time, and you will experience increasing joint damage and further breakdown of your teeth, which typically leads to increases in muscle contraction and consequently increased head, neck, and facial pain.

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TMJ Treatment

With extensive training and experience, Dr. Palmer treats our patients suffering from TMJ with the latest advanced technology and techniques.

The treatment at Laurence Palmer DDS, Ogden, UT, aims to restore a harmonious relationship between your bite and the surrounding muscles, blood vessels, and nerves, thereby relieving your symptoms and pain. We plan your treatment for TMJ disorder depending on the cause of your condition.

The treatments for TMJ disorder may require:

 

  • Full mouth rehabilitation
  • Orthodontics
  • Removable orthotic devices
  • Neuromuscular orthodontics

The treatment is planned to restore proper alignment while addressing underlying bite issues contributing to your condition. Lifestyle changes are also recommended in some cases.  Stress reduction, jaw exercises, and other lifestyle modifications may also be required to address and treat TMJ disorders when these factors contribute to your discomfort.

During your neuromuscular evaluation at our office, Dr. Palmer will work to uncover the underlying cause of your condition and provide treatments that are tailored to your exact needs.