San Francisco and Marin CA
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), often called TMJ, can cause chronic jaw pain, headaches, and significantly impact your daily life. If you notice persistent jaw discomfort, difficulty chewing, or other related symptoms, professional evaluation at a dental office is essential. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent worsening jaw pain and long-term tooth damage.
Common Signs of TMD/TMJ
You should consider a TMD evaluation if you experience any of the following:
- Teeth grinding or jaw clenching (bruxism)
- Jaw pain or soreness while chewing
- Head, neck, or shoulder tension
- Clicking, popping, or locking of jaw joints
- Ear congestion or ringing (tinnitus)
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Tooth sensitivity, fractures, or severe wear
- Tooth loss related to bite stress
How Neuromuscular Dentistry Helps
Neuromuscular dentistry focuses on finding the ideal, relaxed jaw position—also called the correct bite. By using advanced tools like electromyography (EMG) to measure jaw muscle activity, we can locate the position where your muscles and joints are most comfortable. Once identified, treatment plans aim to maintain this position, reducing pain and improving function.
Treatment approaches often include:
- Neuromuscular appliances (orthotics)
- Cosmetic dentistry to adjust bite alignment
- TENS therapy (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)
- Targeted medications
- Physical therapy
- Chiropractic care
What Is a TENS Unit for TMJ?
A TENS unit is a small device that delivers low-frequency electrical pulses to your jaw muscles. These pulses help relax tight muscles, reduce pain, and release built-up tension caused by chronic clenching or grinding.
At Glen Park Dental, we first measure your jaw muscle activity using EMG equipment to establish a baseline. Then, we place the TENS electrodes in precise locations to maximize muscle relaxation. The gentle electrical stimulation helps flush out lactic acid and other by-products, easing soreness and improving jaw mobility.
How TENS Therapy Works for TMD
During a typical TENS session, you will wear the device for 45–60 minutes. After treatment, we use EMG again to assess muscle relaxation and determine how close your jaw is to its optimal resting position.
TENS therapy works hand-in-hand with jaw tracking technology to map the most stable, comfortable jaw position for activities such as:
- Chewing and swallowing
- Speaking
- Relaxed jaw rest
Completing Your TMJ Treatment
Once we identify your ideal jaw position, a neuromuscular orthotic appliance is custom-fitted to maintain this pain-free alignment. This is sometimes referred to as functional orthodontics. Over the next 3–4 months, adjustments are made every 4–8 weeks until discomfort is greatly reduced or eliminated.
For patients seeking a permanent solution, full mouth reconstruction may be performed after orthotic therapy. This involves rebuilding teeth and bite alignment to maintain the comfortable jaw position permanently, often improving both function and aesthetics.
Start Your Path to Relief
If you are struggling with jaw pain, headaches, or TMD symptoms, don’t wait. Advanced TENS therapy and neuromuscular dental care can help restore your jaw’s natural function and relieve pain.
Call Glen Park Dental at (415) 799-3900 in San Francisco today to schedule your TMD consultation and take the first step toward a pain-free, fully functional jaw.