Symptoms of TMJ and Dental Treatment for treating jaw pain

TMD (Temporal Mandibular joint disorders) are painful and when left untreated, will potentially be dangerous to your health. We provide TMJ relief by helping you recognize the symptoms of TMD and treating with neuromuscular dentistry. Temporal Mandibular Disorder or TMD is a broad term referring to problems with the jaws and their functioning. It is commonly referred to as "TMJ". This system is very complex and problems are caused by a variety of factors.

A healthy smile begins with healthy function. Neuromuscular Dentistry measures the relaxed position of head and neck muscles to determine the optimal physiological position of the jaw and then repositions the jaw to achieve ideal occlusion, or bite position. Neuromuscular dentistry techniques can especially benefit people with Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD). When teeth, muscles and joints are in harmony, symptoms associated with TMJ dysfunction can be alleviated.

Symptoms and signs of TMD

Seek treatment from our specially trained dentists if you experience some of the following.

• Headaches and/or Migraines
• Neck/Shoulder pain
• Ear congestion or pain
• Grinding or clenching teeth while sleeping or awake
• Loose teeth
• Facial pain
• Worn down teeth
• Forward head posturing
• Ringing in the ears
• Limited opening of the mouth
• Tingling in the fingertips
• Jaw pain and/or stiffness
• Vague tooth soreness or toothache which often move around the mouth
• Sensitive teeth
• Painful or tender jaw joint
• Pain and fatigue when eating hard or chewy foods
• Clicks, pops, or grinding sound in jaw joint
• A pattern of breaking or cracking teeth with no other cause

Temporal Mandibular Disorders come in many forms and varying degrees of severity. Basically TMD is a problem when you either experience pain and/or a loss of jaw function. The pain can range from a mild ache in the morning to a chronic debilitating pain. Loss of function can be mild jaw stiffness to being unable to open the jaw barely at all.

Finding your ideal neuromuscular jaw position is paramount before final restoration begins. It prevents muscular imbalances that may otherwise lead to instability of teeth, bone, and body posture. Drs. Dickerson and Longa can restore an entire mouth to proper form and function by assessing occlusion (bite position), the muscles of the jaw, and the supporting hard and soft tissue structures of the temporomandibular joints.

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